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Rubio pushes back on India's concerns over US visa curbs, says policy must be 'America First' under Trump

Mon, 25 May 2026 10:40:10 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back against criticism of President Donald Trump's immigration reform as Indian officials and media raised concerns that U.S. visa and immigration reforms may curb migration from India.

"What I want to leave clear is that the changes, while they may be having a disproportionate impact on a place like India that provides so many high-skilled workers to the U.S. economy, it is not a system that is targeted at India," Rubio said during a Sunday news conference in New Delhi, India. "It is one that’s being applied globally."

India’s foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar pushed back in his remarks.

THIS JULY 4TH, HERE’S HOW MY FAMILY EARNED THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED ‘AMERICANS’ – LEGALLY

"I apprised Secretary Rubio of challenges that legitimate travelers face in respect of visa issuance," Jaishankar said.

"While we cooperate to deal with illegal and irregular mobility, our expectation is that legal mobility would not be adversely impacted as a consequence. After all, this is very relevant to our business, technology, and research cooperation," he said.

Ultimately, Rubio – a son of Cuban immigrants – stressed that the U.S. values India as a "strategic ally" and vital trade partner, but immigration policy must be America First under Trump.

AMERICA NEEDS WORKERS, BUT TRUMP'S POLICIES ARE SHARPLY CUTTING LEGAL IMMIGRATION

"Everything that you do as a country needs to be in your national interest, and that includes your immigration policy," Rubio continued. "The United States, I believe, is the most welcoming country in the world on immigration."

"Every single year, a million people, roughly, become permanent residents of the United States and contribute greatly," he said.

"Modernization" was the keynote to Rubio's reply to concerns about the "contribution that Indians have made to the U.S. economy," noting "over $20 billion have been invested in the U.S. economy by Indian companies."

'AMERICA FIRST' IMMIGRATION OVERHAUL BILL WOULD CODIFY TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PROMISES ONCE AND FOR ALL

"The changes that are happening now or the modernization of our migration system into the United States is not focused – it’s not India-specific; it is global," Rubio stressed. "It’s being applied across the world."

"We are in a period of modernization, and I’ll be frank and honest with you, because it’s important to talk about this: We’ve had a migratory crisis in the United States," he said. "This is not because of India, but broadly, we had over 20 million people illegally enter the United States over the last few years, and we’ve had to address that challenge."

THEIR PLAN WAS A FLOOD OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. OUR ANSWER IS AN IMMIGRATION MORATORIUM

The reforms were "long overdue," he added.

"It has to be a process that’s adjusted in every era to the realities of the modern times in which you live, and we are, and it’s long overdue," Rubio added. "So the United States is currently undergoing a process of reforming the system by which we choose how many people come into our country, who comes in, when they come in, et cetera."

HOUSE REPUBLICAN GREG STEUBE INTRODUCES BILL TO NIX CONTROVERSIAL H-1B VISA PROGRAM

Rubio urged India to give the reform process time during the period of deepest adjustment.

"Anytime you undertake a reform, anytime you undertake a change in the system by which you admit people, or frankly, anytime you undertake a reform in any system – not just on immigration – there are going to be – there’s going to be a period of transition that’s going to create some friction points and some difficulties and so forth," he said. "Ultimately, we think when this process is in place, once this process has been modernized – and that’s really what it is – we are modernizing the U.S. immigration system for the 21st century so that it is an immigration system that’s not just good for America but it’s also good for the people that are coming."

JENNIFER WELCH TARGETS RUBIO IN RANT ABOUT HOW 'BROWN-SKINNED' MAGA SUPPORTERS ARE WHITE NATIONALISTS

The U.S. and India will be stronger in the end, according to Rubio.

"We’re going to wind up with a system that’s more efficient and even better than the previous system, and in some ways may prove to be even more beneficial than the previous system was to people from India that seek to enter the United States to work and innovate," he concluded. "But obviously, there’s going to be a period of adjustment along the way.

"We’re in a period of transition, and like any period of transition there’s going to be some bumps on that road. But we think ultimately our destination is going to be a better system, a more efficient system, one that works better than the one that we had in place previously, and more sustainable, by the way," Rubio said.

Rubio also addressed allegations of anti-India racism in America, urging India to not listen to the "stupid people."

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"I’ll take that very seriously about the comments," Rubio said. "Look, I’m sure that there are people that have made comments online and other places, because every country in the world has stupid people. I’m sure there are stupid people here."

"There are stupid people in the United States that make dumb comments all the time. I don’t know what else to tell you other than the United States is a very welcoming country," Rubio said. "Our nation has been enriched by people who come to our country, have come from our country from all over the world, have become Americans, have assimilated into our way of life, and have contributed greatly."

Havana regime in suspense after Castro indictment with Trump pressure on, says Cuban-born GOP Rep.

Sat, 23 May 2026 06:00:05 -0400

Cuban despot Raul Castro’s federal indictment is likely sparking paranoia inside the regime as officials look at what has happened to other despots this year, the one member of Congress who personally experienced the dictatorship's terror told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

Though no longer Cuba’s formal leader since Miguel Diaz-Canel took over in 2021, Raul Castro still holds a tighter grip on the levers of power in Havana than the island’s established government, House Homeland Security Committee member Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., said.

Gimenez said the indictment, while long overdue, could bring some measure of justice to the families of Americans killed in the 1996 downing of two humanitarian aircraft in the Strait of Florida.

Gimenez said Castro intentionally targeted a group that searched the sea almost daily for Cuban refugees attempting the 90-mile trip to the congressional district he now represents, spanning South Dade to the Keys.

OBAMA’S BASEBALL OUTING WITH CASTRO REIGNITES FURY AFTER TRUMP DOJ DROPS HAMMER ON CUBAN LEADER

"We have him on tape saying [he did it]," Gimenez said of Castro — indicted on Cuban Independence Day.

"We cannot tolerate any regime murdering American citizens wherever they may be."

Asked whether Cuba may see a mission similar to the one in Venezuela, where U.S. forces extracted an indicted dictator, Gimenez said every situation is different even if the actors are ideologically and criminally similar.

"I think that the president's going to let this kind of percolate for a while and also continue the pressure on the regime that we've been exerting," he said, agreeing with fellow Miamian Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the Castro/Diaz-Canel regime is collapsing under its own failure.

The suspense — coming amid additional arrests of regime allies stateside and Castro’s charges Wednesday — is proverbially killing the Cuban government, he said.

"The island goes dark for hours and so I think [President Donald Trump’s] going to let it percolate for a while. I'm sure that he is drawing up plans for every contingency. He now has the legal authority to come in and try to arrest him, but I don't think he is going to do that right away."

Unlike Venezuela or Iran, America has a home base in Cuba — Guantanamo Bay.

But Gimenez — who recently visited the compound, and therefore his homeland, for the first time in more than 60 years since fleeing at age 6 — said the geopolitics are such that Gitmo is helpful but not the end-all.

CUBAN OFFICIAL REVEALS MILITARY 'PREPARING' FOR CONFLICT AFTER TRUMP CONSIDERS 'TAKING' ISLAND

Guantanamo lies on the opposite side of Cuba from Havana, so U.S. assets would need to be positioned closer in the event of any incursion.

"Just in case," he said. "If something were to happen and the people rise up – so that Raul Castro doesn’t sleep very well at night; not knowing if our helicopters are coming for him."

He said the best idea at present is creating an environment of constant psychological pressure for the regime — so that they are "looking out and [not] inward as much – thinking that somehow, Uncle Sam is just outside there, floating in the water with a big aircraft carrier."

Gimenez said the U.S. government appears "actually serious this time – the first time any administration is taking the kind of action against one of the Castros."

In prior comments, Gimenez referenced an Orange Bowl event attended by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright shortly after the murders, where the Clinton administration promised a response.

Therefore, protesters risking their lives in the streets may feel real change is afoot, Gimenez said, and that unlike in past administrations, the feds will "have their back."

RUBIO SAYS CUBA NEEDS ‘NEW PEOPLE IN CHARGE’ AS BLACKOUTS, UNREST GRIP ISLAND

"[The regime doesn’t] wholesale kill thousands of people [like Iran] but they do put thousands of people in prison; torture them … Let's see what's going to happen inside the island with the Cuban people themselves."

The administration also has a vocal Havana hawk in Rubio, the son of Cuban emigres.

Shortly after the interview, the feds in Miami detained the head of GAESA, Cuba’s public-private military-led entity that Gimenez said is the true lever of power in Havana. DHS then revoked Adys Lastres-Morera’s green card.

Diaz-Canel is a figurehead, Gimenez said, noting Castro leads GAESA and therefore is the end-all.

Gimenez quipped that his Miami colleague Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart made the point that "presidents" of Cuba essentially mean nothing – when he asked another interviewer if they had heard of a past president not named Castro.

Diaz-Balart also noted that his brother, former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., wrote to the Clinton administration in 1996 demanding action, but none came.

POST-MADURO, PRESSURE BUILDS ON MEXICO OVER CUBA’S NEW OIL LIFELINE

"So, in the case of GAESA, it is run by military officers under the control of [the] Castros [and] controls 70% of Cuba’s economy… It shows you that there is a government inside a government," Gimenez said.

He argued the estimated $16 billion held by GAESA self-enriches the regime while ordinary Cubans face economic collapse and private industry fails.

In a Spanish-language statement, Rubio noted GAESA is the reason the island has been "plundered" by its government – not from any alleged U.S. oil blockade.

As Gimenez and Rubio spoke, congressional support for the indictment was already building.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., told ӣ��Ƶ military intervention in Havana should never be off the table.

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"Raul Castro – he’s killed Americans, and I’m so glad he’s indicted," Scott said, adding that a 16-year-old was recently imprisoned for complaining his family lost electricity -- agreeing an uprising may be in the offing.

Rep. Maria Salazar, R-Fla., who represents the U.S.-Cuban diaspora in Calle Ocho, said her community waited 65 years and 10 U.S. presidents to express this "message to the Castros."

"It’s time for you guys to go."

Now, with Castro’s indictment and the predictions of Gimenez, Diaz-Balart and others, Cuban Independence Day may have new meaning by the next time it passes on the calendar.

Top Republican warns Trump against making a deal with Iran: 'Finish the job'

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:33:38 -0400

A top Senate Republican is publicly pressuring President Donald Trump against pursuing what he described as a weak Iran deal as administration officials signal negotiations with Tehran are making progress.

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued a sharply worded warning Thursday urging Trump not to abandon military pressure on the Iranian regime in favor of diplomacy.

"We are at a moment that will define President Trump’s legacy," Wicker said in a statement. "His instincts have been to finish the job he started in Iran, but he is being ill advised to pursue a deal that would not be worth the paper it is written on."

REPUBLICANS URGE TRUMP TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON HIS PLAN TO DISMANTLE IRAN'S NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES

"Our commander-in-chief needs to allow America's skilled armed forces to finish the destruction of Iran's conventional military capabilities and reopen the strait," Wicker went on. "Further pursuit of an agreement with Iran's Islamist regime risks a perception of weakness. We must finish what we started. It is past time for action."

The remarks expose growing tension inside Republican national security circles as the Trump administration weighs whether to pursue a negotiated agreement with Iran or continue its military campaign against the Iranian regime and its nuclear capabilities.

A White House official said in response: "Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, and while President Trump always prefers a diplomatic solution, he has been clear about the consequences if Iran refuses to make a deal."

"As the President stated, he will only make a good deal for the American people. He is not going to be rushed into making a bad deal. Due to the successes of Operation Epic Fury, Economic Fury, and the blockade, President Trump holds the cards and has all the time he needs to make the best deal for the United States and the world," the official went on.

Wicker’s comments came just hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged there had been "some progress" in ongoing negotiations with Iran, while cautioning that no agreement had been reached.

"There's been some progress," Rubio said Thursday. "I wouldn't exaggerate it. I wouldn't diminish it."

"We're not there yet," Rubio added. "I hope we get there."

Rubio said key issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and whether Tehran would be permitted any future uranium enrichment capability under a potential agreement.

"The issue of highly enriched uranium has to be discussed. Its disposition has to be dealt with. And of course, the issue of future enrichment has to be dealt with as well," Rubio said.

He also indicated discussions involving the Strait of Hormuz remain part of broader negotiations.

The comments marked one of the clearest public signs yet that active diplomacy between Washington and Iran remains underway despite recent military escalation and fears of a wider regional conflict.

Trump himself recently signaled he remains open to giving diplomacy additional time before considering further military action.

"If I can save war by waiting a couple of days, if I can save people being killed by waiting a couple of days, I think it's a great thing to do," Trump said in recent days.

PAKISTAN'S AMBASSADOR WARNS IRAN TOO 'WAR-TORN' TO RESPOND QUICKLY AS TRUMP EXTENDS STRIKE DEADLINE

The administration’s diplomatic push has coincided with intensified regional mediation efforts, including a high-profile visit by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to Iran — a trip widely viewed as part of broader backchannel efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Iran.

The visit fueled further speculation that Pakistan is playing a quiet intermediary role as negotiators explore possible frameworks to avoid additional military escalation.

Still, Rubio repeatedly emphasized Thursday that negotiations remain fragile and could ultimately collapse.

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"We're dealing with a very difficult group of people," Rubio said. "It may not" happen

He added that Trump "has other options" if diplomacy fails, while stressing the president still prefers "the negotiated option and having a good deal."

Trump reads Bible as thousands pack National Mall for America 250 prayer rally

Sun, 17 May 2026 21:30:49 -0400

Top Trump administration officials, Republican lawmakers and prominent Christian leaders gathered on the National Mall on Sunday for a massive prayer rally celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

The event — "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving" — drew thousands for worship music, speeches and prayers focused on reaffirming the United States as "One Nation Under God."

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and House Speaker Mike Johnson all addressed the gathering, alongside numerous other political and faith figures.

In a prerecorded message, Trump read from 2 Chronicles 7, reciting the well-known Bible verse calling on people to "humble themselves" and seek God.

TRUMP CALLS ON AMERICANS TO PRAY FOR NATION AS 250TH BIRTHDAY APPROACHES: 'ONE NATION UNDER GOD'

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land," Trump said.

Vance described the United States as "a nation of prayer," saying faith has shaped the country since before its founding.

"In times of suffering and in times of triumph, millions of Americans continue to turn to prayer and their faith in God," Vance said.

Rubio similarly tied America’s identity to Christianity.

"From the beginning, we have carried the belief that our country represents something new in the world," Rubio said. "But the soul of our nation has always been rooted in an ancient faith."

Gabbard urged Americans to humble themselves before God, saying the nation’s founders "knelt" and "asked for God’s mercy" before declaring independence.

FOR 2026, YOU SHOULD MAKE A RESOLUTION TO KNOW THE REVOLUTION

Johnson delivered a prayer of "rededication," thanking God for guiding the nation since its founding.

"Heavenly Father, we thank you," Johnson said. "Thank you so much for this great day that you've given us here, and we remember that your mighty hand has been upon our nation since the very beginning."

Hegseth referenced George Washington's faith, while Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., spoke about Christianity’s role in shaping the nation and argued prayer was central to the Civil Rights Movement.

Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King Jr., praised Trump for encouraging Americans to "rededicate America to God."

"This nation was founded on godly principles," Alveda King told ӣ��Ƶ, adding that Martin Luther King Jr., "spoke to a crowd like this in 1963."

Actor Jonathan Roumie, who portrays Jesus in "The Chosen," also spoke at the event, encouraging Americans to recommit themselves to faith and prayer.

NEARLY 500 PUBLIC FIGURES FROM POLITICS TO HOLLYWOOD WILL READ BIBLE COVER TO COVER TO MARK AMERICA'S 250TH

The event also featured appearances from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Robert Barron, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, evangelist Franklin Graham, along with performances from Grammy-winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin, among others.

Many attendees wore patriotic colors as they packed the National Mall.

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Freedom 250, the nonprofit behind the event, said the gathering is part of a broader effort leading up to America’s semiquincentennial celebration on July 4, 2026.

ӣ��Ƶ Digital's Stephen Sorace and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Rubio warns America must 'stay ahead of the curve' as China works to surpass the US with stolen tech

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:55:36 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Wednesday that the United States must "stay ahead of the curve" on innovation to counter China’s widespread intellectual property theft, arguing that Beijing has leveraged stolen American technology to fuel its progress.

"A lot of the advancements you've seen in the commercial sector and the industrial sector, the technological sector in China, is a product of intellectual property theft and/or reverse engineering, which is the same thing, of our own technology," Rubio said.

"That has to be addressed."

In an exclusive interview on "Hannity," Rubio described intellectual property theft as an "enormous issue" that the Trump administration plans to confront in Thursday's high-stakes talks with China.

AMERICA HAS TO RESPOND WITH A UNITED FRONT TO CHINA’S MASSIVE ECONOMIC WARFARE

"We're not trying to constrain China, but their rise cannot come at our expense. Their rise cannot come at our fall," Rubio said.

He insisted that his warning only scratches the surface and stressed that enforcement alone won’t be enough, arguing that America’s long-term advantage depends on outpacing China in innovation.

WHITE HOUSE: US WILL LEAD IN AI, BUT CHINA IS CATCHING UP

"One thing is, if you're stealing or taking the stuff that was cutting edge five years ago, but the things that are going to be cutting edge years from now, we've got to continue to invest and push our companies to continue to stay ahead of that pace of theft and continue to lead the world in innovation."

Rubio's remarks came ahead of meetings in China where President Donald Trump, several key members of his administration and multiple U.S. business leaders were slated to participate in a summit to discuss trade, artificial intelligence and more.

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The secretary of state offered his thoughts ahead of the summit.

"They [China] believe they will be the world’s most powerful country, they'll surpass the United States, and they have a plan to do it. And they're executing on that plan," he said.

"We, on the other hand, don't view it that way."

Marco Rubio says US will push China to take a more 'active role' in Iran negotiations ahead of Trump-Xi summit

Wed, 13 May 2026 19:15:19 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that U.S. officials will attempt to persuade China to take a more "active role" in resolving the conflict in Iran as President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Joining "Hannity" from aboard Air Force One while en route to China, Rubio explained that the U.S. has made its case to Beijing on why it should engage in efforts to settle simmering tensions with Iran.

"It’s in their interest to resolve this," Rubio said Wednesday. "We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they're doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf.

"We've made the argument to the Chinese, and I hope it's compelling. And they'll have a chance to do something about it at the United Nations later this week," he said.

IRAN WAR SUCCESS GIVES PRESIDENT A TRUMP CARD TO PLAY IN CHINA MEETING

Rubio argued it is in Beijing’s best interest to assist the U.S. with Iran — despite its strategic ties to Iran — as Chinese ships remain stuck in the Strait of Hormuz and place increased strain on the nation’s economy. China has the opportunity to back condemnation of Iran's actions on Hormuz at the United Nations.

"China's economy is export-driven, meaning their economy is fueled not by what they consume domestically, but by what they make and sell to other countries," the secretary of state said.

IRAN TURNS TO PUTIN AS US TALKS COLLAPSE, HORMUZ STANDOFF THREATENS GLOBAL OIL FLOW

"Economies are melting down because of this crisis in the Strait," he added. "They're going to be buying less Chinese product, and the Chinese exports are going to drop precipitously."

Trump's meeting with Xi is the first by a U.S. president since his own visit to China nine years ago.

Rubio also explained how the U.S. must strike a balance in its foreign policy toward China, noting that while the U.S. tames China as a geopolitical rival, it must also maintain a healthy relationship to preserve world stability.

"[China] is both our top political challenge geopolitically, and it's also the most important relationship for us to manage," the secretary told host Sean Hannity.

MARCO RUBIO TO CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER: TRUMP WILL PUT 'AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST' IN US-CHINA RELATIONS

"We're going to have interests of ours that are going to be in conflict with interests of theirs. And to avoid wars and maintain peace and stability in the world, we're gonna have to manage those."

China sidestepped its own sanctions on Rubio by changing the spelling of his name, allowing him to enter the country for the high-stakes Trump-Xi meeting. He was barred from China in 2020 over his criticism of Beijing’s human rights record.

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At the high-stakes two-day summit, Trump and Xi are expected to discuss artificial intelligence, Taiwan and trade as the U.S.-Iran conflict simmers.

Rubio said Trump will cooperate with Xi where possible, while remaining steadfast on America’s core demands, including a non-nuclear Iran.

"There are clearly areas where they're so important for the United States that we're going to have to raise those issues, and we'll continue to do so. The president's going to continue to do so," he told ӣ��Ƶ. "There might be some areas of cooperation, too. And we want to make sure we don’t walk away from those."

Vance confronted about 2028 ambitions after Trump teases 'dream team' Rubio ticket

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:02:48 -0400

Vice President JD Vance brushed off questions about a possible 2028 Republican ticket with Secretary of State Marco Rubio after President Donald Trump floated the pair as a political force earlier this week.

"I love Marco. I think he's a great secretary of state. He's become a very, very dear friend. But I think both of us are very much focused on accomplishing the American people's business right now," Vance said during a news conference Wednesday focused on the administration's fraud crackdown.

Trump teased a potential ticket with Vance and Rubio earlier this week, but the president did not say who would fill Trump's shoes. Vance had previously said the media was creating "conflict" when asked in recent months about alleged tension between the pair as Washington, D.C., inches closer to 2028.

"Who likes J.D. Vance? Who likes Marco Rubio? All right. Sounds like a good ticket," Trump said Monday. "By the way, I do believe that’s a dream team."

JD VANCE ADDRESSES POSSIBLE PRESIDENTIAL RUN WITH MARCO RUBIO AFTER TRUMP TEASES 'UNSTOPPABLE' TICKET

Vance shared that it is one of the topics he least likes to discuss when he is "having a good time and trying to do good work in the job that the American people already elected me to do."

"If I was the American people, there are a few things that I would hate more than a person who's barely been in one office for a year and a half, is angling for a job two and a half years down the road," Vance said, referencing himself.

VANCE TAPPED AS ‘FRAUD CZAR’ AS TRUMP TARGETS BLUE STATES OVER TAXPAYER THEFT

A second reporter followed up during the news conference that the media was not promoting 2028 tension between the pair as the president floated the potential ticket.

"I just don't think it sounds like the president of the United States to have a televised competition for who would succeed him as his apprentice," Vance quipped in response. "I just think that's not at all what you would expect the president to do."

Vance added it was "natural" for Trump to joke around with him and Rubio, adding that the president has "always been fascinated by politics."

RUBIO HEADS TO ROME WITH TRUMP’S IRAN CLASH LOOMING OVER POPE LEO, MELONI TALKS

Vance’s big initiative has been cracking down on fraud, waste and abuse while leading the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

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The news conference Wednesday was held as Vance holds down the fort at the White House while Trump is in China for high-stakes meetings alongside administration leaders, such as Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

Marco Rubio spotted in Nike tracksuit aboard Air Force One during trip to China, igniting memes online

Tue, 12 May 2026 22:45:30 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio ditched his usual suit for a Nike tracksuit aboard Air Force One, sparking widespread online reactions as images of the unexpected look spread across social media.

Photos posted to X by White House communications director Steven Cheung showed Rubio wearing a gray Nike Tech fleece outfit — a notably casual departure from the formal attire typically worn by top U.S. officials during official travel.

The moment comes as Rubio travels with President Donald Trump on a high-stakes trip to China, where officials are expected to focus on trade and national security issues, creating a contrast between high-level diplomacy and a social media-driven fashion moment.

The outfit quickly drew comparisons to the internet’s so-called "Venezuela Nike Tech" meme, which gained traction earlier this year after images of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro wearing a similar tracksuit circulated online.

DAN GAINOR: FROM SECRETARY OF STATE TO SECRETARY OF MEMES, RUBIO WINS OVER MAGA

Social media users flooded X with jokes and commentary after the images surfaced.

"Is Marco going to be the DJ for the flight?" one X user wrote alongside an edited image showing Rubio standing behind a DJ booth.

Another viral meme labeled Rubio "Nicolás Maduro as Marco Rubio," continuing the comparisons between the secretary of state’s outfit and the now-viral Maduro images.

MARCO RUBIO SPOTTED BEHIND DJ BOOTH AT FAMILY WEDDING AS SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO VIRAL CLIP

Another user wrote, "Okay — did I miss one of Marco Rubio’s new jobs? Sportswear model?"

Others dubbed the outfit "the Maduro fit," while some questioned the casual attire aboard Air Force One.

Rubio has also become an unlikely recurring viral figure online in recent weeks. Earlier this month, videos shared by White House officials showed the secretary of state DJing at a family wedding, wearing headphones behind a mixing booth as guests danced around him.

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Nike Tech fleece tracksuits have surged in popularity online in recent months, fueled in part by the Maduro images that helped turn the minimalist athletic style into an unlikely political meme.

While senior officials are typically seen in formal wear during Air Force One travel, Rubio’s off-duty look offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse — and quickly became another social media talking point.

How Marco Rubio is riding laughter and memes to social media dominance

Tue, 12 May 2026 03:00:40 -0400

Marco Rubio has conquered the online world.

The word most frequently associated with him is "hilarious."

He’s become a one-man meme, with endless fake images of him wearing different outfits to exaggerate his many jobs.

When a top government official goes so utterly viral, it’s usually for doing something cringeworthy.

WHAT RUBIO’S RISE AS THE INTERNET’S 'FIXER' TELLS US ABOUT TODAY’S POLITICS

But here’s the difference: Rubio is in on the joke.

In fact, he’s done everything he can to fan the flames of his cyberfame.

The secretary of state holds many jobs, including national security advisor, and, for a time, acting national archivist, acting head of the USAID program and de facto ruler of Venezuela.

VIRAL MARCO RUBIO CLIP ON HIS VISION FOR AMERICA SPARKS MORE 2028 SPECULATION

First, he has a really good sense of humor.

Football coach, sailor, Viking, Eskimo, Canadian mountie, armed bandit, astronaut, medieval disciple, grime-covered plumber – all posted by users with funny captions.

And all this comes as President Trump has been asking his advisors: JD or Marco?

Not that anyone’s been thinking about 2028, right?

Peak Marco came when he briefed the press while filling in for Karoline Leavitt, who just had a baby.

Rubio played dumb for some of it. He said he had a chart and some had red X’s next to their names, quickly admitting he made that up.

He called on one reporter in black, then said, "you don’t have black, and you have blue on," even though he’s "color blind… This is chaos, guys… There’s no way I can figure out who to call on… Do they get two questions?... I’m wingin’ it, guys… Let’s go to the front, these guys are gonna get mad."

The wittier moments have been strung together by online geeks to the point where it feels like a Netflix comedy special.

He answered one question in Spanish. Perhaps I should mention that Rubio would be the first Latino president.

RUBIO’S TRUMP ADMIN JUGGLING ACT GROWS AS MEME-WORTHY ROLE LIST BECOMES REALITY

"Rubio memes are the most delightful thing to hit modern politics in decades," says Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle. "The entire family can enjoy them, from your MAGA uncle to your #NeverTrump niece, from your ‘resistance lib’ cousin to your ‘abundance bro’ brother. For one shining moment, we can all glance at our phones and crack a whimsical smile together."

"Rubio Memes Conquer the Internet," says Newsweek.

"Marco Rubio’s Meme-Worthy Rise to the Center of Trump’s Second Term," says Miami New Times.

But the secretary is also very disciplined, as when he was talking tough about Iran. He finessed a question on whether the U.S. firing on Iranian ships should be deemed an act of war by reframing the situation.

"These guys shut down the Strait of Hormuz… The only people who are allowed to go through there without paying 100% are the Iranians. If you do that, they’ll keep the Strait closed forever. It’s not an act of war, it’s a defensive measure. You know what is an act of war? Putting mines in the water… This is crazy stuff, but this is what they’ve done."

MARCO RUBIO SPOTTED BEHIND DJ BOOTH AT FAMILY WEDDING AS SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO VIRAL CLIP

But many analysts, not just in Tehran, do consider the American attacks an act of war.

President Trump, backed by Rubio, was more negative, saying yesterday the Iranian ceasefire "is on life support… If you can believe it, how stupid. Are they stupid people? They didn't want to believe it. They think that, well, I'll get tired of this, or I'll get bored, or I'll have some pressure. But there's no pressure. There's no pressure at all."

Now it’s possible that Vance may not run – he and his wife are expecting another baby – but whether it’s Rubio or Vance, they’d both be saddled with defending the Trump record.

It’s not that the former Florida senator is incapable of acting like a typical politician. I remember grabbing him in the hallway in the run-up to the 2016 campaign and asking if he planned to run. He said he wasn’t thinking about it, which we both knew was BS.

During the campaign, I watched him work an audience and thought this guy knows what to do behind the mic. When a woman fainted, he stopped and made sure she got help before continuing.

I do know one thing: once you run for president, you’ve been bitten by the bug.

Vance, as vice president, is the obvious front-runner. Rubio has said he won’t run if Vance does, and they have a friendly relationship. Trump wants Rubio to be second on the ticket.

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But there’s a Marco surge going on, and he is more than happy to ride that wave.

Oh, there’s one more thing. At a family event, Rubio was seen working the music board as people danced – what we used to call a spinner.

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A reporter asked about his moniker.

"You’re not ready for my DJ name," he said with a big grin.

Now that’s a rock ’n’ roll Republican.

Trump administration rejects UN migration declaration, says 'mass migration was never safe'

Mon, 11 May 2026 21:36:58 -0400

The U.S. State Department ‌announced on Monday that it refused to back an International Migration Review Forum "progress" declaration, accusing the U.N. of efforts to "advocate and facilitate replacement immigration in the United States and across the broader West."

The U.S. did not participate in the second International Migration Review Forum, held May 5–8 at U.N. Headquarters in New York, and will not support the declaration, the department said in a statement on Monday.

The forum is the U.N.’s main global platform for member states to review implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, according to the U.N. Network on Migration. The 2026 forum was scheduled to produce an intergovernmentally agreed "Progress Declaration."

President Donald Trump ended U.S. participation in the U.N. process to develop the Global Compact for Migration during his first term in 2017, and now the State Department says the federal government will again affirm its opposition.

TRUMP PULLS US OUT OF UN-LINKED MIGRATION FORUM IN BOLD IMMIGRATION MOVE

The Global Compact was adopted in 2018 after the U.S. withdrew from the process. The U.N. and International Organization for Migration describe the compact as a cooperative framework intended to improve migration governance across countries.

"As Secretary Rubio said, opening our doors to mass migration was a grave mistake that threatens the cohesion of our societies and the future of our peoples," the department's statement reads. "In recent years, Americans witnessed first-hand how mass immigration laid waste to our communities: crime and chaos at the border, states of emergency in major cities, and billions of taxpayer dollars funneled towards hotels, plane tickets, cell phones and cash cards for migrants."

"Much of this was driven by UN agencies and their partners, which did not just facilitate the invasion of our country, but proceeded to redistribute our own people’s wealth and resources to millions of foreigners from the worst corners of the world," it continued.

The department argued there was nothing safe, orderly or regular about any of this, adding that the costs "were borne primarily by working Americans forced to compete for scarce jobs, housing, and social services."

"The UN has little to say about them," the department wrote.

TRUMP UNVEILS ‘REVERSE MIGRATION’ PLAN TO HALT ‘THIRD WORLD’ IMMIGRATION, REVOKE BIDEN-ERA ENTRIES

"President Trump is focused on the interests of Americans, not foreigners or globalist bureaucrats," the statement reads. "The United States will not support a process that imposes, overtly or by stealth, guidelines, standards, or commitments that constrain the American people’s sovereign, democratic right to make decisions in the best interests of our country."

The department concluded its statement by saying its goal is not to "manage" migration, but to "foster remigration."

In a thread on X also announcing the move to object to the declaration, the department said UN agencies "systematically facilitated mass migration into America and Europe, even as citizens of these nations called for restrictions on migration." It added that U.N. materials related to the Global Compact call for expanding regular migration pathways and reference "regularization" of migrants.

The International Organization for Migration says the forum is held every four years for countries to review progress and shape next steps on migration policy. IOM, which coordinates the U.N. Network on Migration, says the network includes 39 U.N. agencies working to support countries on migration issues.

The department alleged that "UN agencies – working with the NGOs they fund – established a migration corridor through Central America and to the U.S. border," the post reads. "As the American people suffered under an unprecedented wave of mass migration, the UN was on the ground pipelining migrants to our southern border."

"After facilitating mass migration to the United States, UN agencies condemned the deportation of illegal immigrants," the post continued. "While the United Kingdom faced unprecedented illegal boat crossings, UN agencies condemned plans for deportations. UN officials lobbied aviation regulators to prevent the deportation of migrants – an appalling violation of the UK’s national sovereignty."

The U.N. Network on Migration describes the compact as "non-legally binding." A U.N.-hosted text of the compact also says it respects states’ sovereign right to determine their national migration policies and to distinguish between regular and irregular migration status.

The declaration itself says the Global Compact is a cooperative framework and acknowledges that no state can address migration alone, while also upholding the sovereignty of states.

The department pushed back on the compact’s framing of migration as "safe, orderly and regular."

"For the citizens of Western nations, mass migration was never safe. It introduced new security threats, imposed financial strains, and undermined the cohesion of our societies," it wrote.

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"The United States will not legitimize global compacts that enable mass migration into America or Western nations," the post added.

U.N. materials frame the compact as a cooperative framework for issues that often cross borders, including labor migration, border management, migrant protections and development. U.N. agencies, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, describe the IMRF as a state-led review process with participation from relevant stakeholders.

ӣ��Ƶ Digital has reached out to the U.N. for comment.

Rubio meets Meloni as Trump–Pope clash clash escalates US strains with key European ally

Fri, 08 May 2026 07:16:06 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Thursday in Rome amid diplomatic tensions with both Italy and the Vatican.

The meeting comes one day after Rubio, a practicing Catholic, held talks at the Vatican with Pope Leo and senior church officials in what many observers viewed as an effort to calm relations after weeks of escalating rhetoric between President Donald Trump and the Holy See.

For much of Trump’s second term, Meloni was widely viewed as Trump’s closest ideological ally among major European leaders. But that relationship has begun to fray amid disputes over the Iran war.

That political partnership, however, has come under strain in recent months, as Trump’s escalating clash with Pope Leo XIV collided with separate tensions over Italy’s limits on using its territory for U.S. combat-linked operations tied to the Iran war.

RUBIO TO VISIT ITALY, VATICAN AMID TROOP DRAWDOWN CALL, TENSION WITH TRUMP, POPE LEO: REPORTS

Asked April 30 whether he’d consider pulling troops out of Italy and Spain, Trump said, "Yeah, probably. ... Why shouldn't I?"

"Italy has not been of any help to us," the president said.

The Italian prime minister built a strong rapport with Trump through their shared positions on immigration, nationalism, border security and opposition to progressive cultural politics. Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, and she also visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago as she sought to position herself as a key intermediary between Washington and Europe.

TRUMP MEETS WITH ITALIAN PM GIORGIA MELONI AT HIS MAR-A-LAGO RESORT

The relationship often appeared notably warm in public.

During a 2025 Middle East summit in Egypt, Trump publicly praised Meloni as "a beautiful young woman" and joked, "You don’t mind being called beautiful, right?" before describing her as an "incredible leader" respected throughout Italy.

Trump and Meloni also found common ground politically.

Both leaders embraced tougher border enforcement policies, criticized "woke" ideology in Western institutions and argued for stronger nationalist identities inside their respective countries. Meloni’s conservative Brothers of Italy party was frequently described by Trump allies as an example of the type of populist movement reshaping Europe.

The split became visible after Meloni publicly criticized Trump’s attacks on the pope as "unacceptable," prompting Trump to lash back and reportedly tell aides she was "much different than I thought."

RUBIO HOLDS ‘CONSTRUCTIVE’ MEETING WITH POPE LEO AFTER TRUMP SENDS HARD-LINE IRAN MESSAGE TO VATICAN

Italian media and European analysts have described the dispute as a remarkable deterioration between two leaders once viewed as natural political allies.

The Vatican dispute has been especially politically sensitive for Meloni because Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff, remains highly influential in Italy, where criticism of the pope by foreign leaders can quickly become politically toxic. Trump’s remarks about Leo’s opposition to the war against Iran generated significant backlash among Italian Catholics and across portions of Italy’s political establishment.

The Iran conflict has further complicated relations. Italian officials reportedly have expressed growing discomfort over the possibility of deeper U.S. military escalation and concerns surrounding American military base access in Italy. Rome has also faced pressure domestically to distance itself from Washington’s handling of the conflict.

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Economic tensions continue simmering in the background as well. While Trump earlier in 2026 reduced tariffs on some Italian exports, including pasta products, as what he described as a "New Year’s gift" to Italy, concerns remain in Rome and Brussels over the administration’s repeated threats to impose broader tariffs on European goods.

Against that backdrop, Rubio’s visit is widely being interpreted as an effort to stabilize relations before the political rift deepens further. The secretary of state is expected to discuss Middle East security, NATO coordination, migration and trade during his talks with Meloni and other Italian officials as the administration works to preserve Italy’s role as one of Washington’s closest partners in Southern Europe.

The White House and Italian embassy in the U.S. could not immediately be reached for comment.

What Rubio’s rise as the internet’s 'fixer' tells us about today’s politics

Fri, 08 May 2026 05:00:58 -0400

"If you want something done, ask a busy person," is a famous phrase attributed to polymath Founding Father Benjamin Franklin as well as comedy icon Lucille Ball. But if you want the living embodiment of that credo today, search no further than Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Most of the time, politicians are widely lampooned for being all talk but no action. We have seen many politicians at all levels of government do very little, or worse, do their jobs so poorly that the results have been destructive to our country.

However, Rubio has flipped the script on that notion. In fact, he has become a meme not for inaction, but rather for being effective at not only one job, but various other roles that have been granted to him alongside his secretary of State position.

There may not be anything on the internet as wholesome today as Rubio becoming a meme for being good at his jobs.

RUBIO’S TRUMP ADMIN JUGGLING ACT GROWS AS MEME-WORTHY ROLE LIST BECOMES REALITY

At one point mid-last year, Rubio held four positions simultaneously, bringing attention to his hardworking nature and effective outcomes. As the go-to man for not only his secretary of State duties, but also acting national security advisor, as well as interim roles as acting administrator of USAID prior to its wind-down and acting archivist of the United States, it seems like any time there’s a role to fill, Rubio’s name comes up, because he embodies a busy and effective politician who can get the job done.

Rubio’s effectiveness has become the source of an endearing memeing across social media. Whenever there is a job to fill, whether it is a CEO vacancy, an open position on a major sports team or even the ruler of another nation, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and other social platforms are filled with mock-ups of Rubio in the role.

Giving the internet even more fodder, Rubio went viral again after a recent video shared by Trump Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino showed him acting as the DJ and spinning tunes at a family wedding, prompting funny comments, including those labeling Rubio as the "Secretary of Everything."

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Another recent post by X user and filmmaker @charliebcurran includes a video trailer captioned "Marco Rubio finding out he has to run Spirit Airlines now too," with a satirical short showing Rubio trying to save the now defunct airline, complete with hijinks ensuing.

The internet may be laughing, but they are doing so with Rubio as a savior figure, positioning that should serve him well should he choose to make a presidential run in 2028.

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Politicians are often known for scandals, bad policy, gaslighting, and for being full of hot air. It’s refreshing and quite remarkable for a politician to be known as the guy you want to turn to when you need to get the job done.

We deserve more Rubios among our representation. In the meantime, we will look forward to seeing what real or fictional job Marco Rubio gets to hold next.

Viral Marco Rubio clip on his vision for America sparks more 2028 speculation

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:52:28 -0400

A viral clip of Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivering a hopeful vision for America's future while answering a question this week at the White House is stoking more buzz about a possible 2028 presidential bid.

Rubio, in his debut performance at a White House briefing, gave an uplifting answer that noted America's "story of perpetual improvement" when asked about his hope for the country in the years ahead.

Recordings of the secretary of state's 53-second answer, including a campaign-style video put out by Rubio's team, grabbed tons of views on social media.

The frenzy is understandable, as every move and each comment Rubio makes is often seen as a possible prelude to a potential White House run in the race to succeed his boss, term-limited President Donald Trump.

RUBIO GAINS MOMENTUM IN HYPOTHETICAL 2028 GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION RACE AS VANCE REMAINS CLEAR FRONT-RUNNER

Rubio, briefing reporters ahead of his current overseas trip, including Thursday's meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican amid strained relations due to recent critical comments of the U.S.-born pontiff from Trump, said his "hope for America is what it’s always been. I think it’s the hope I hope we all share. We want it to continue to be the place where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything, where you’re not limited by the circumstances of your birth, by the color of your skin, by your ethnicity, but frankly, it’s a place where you are able to overcome challenges and achieve your full potential."

"I think that should be the goal of every country in the world, frankly, but I think in the U.S. – we’re not perfect. Our history is not one of perfection, but it’s still better than anybody else’s history," Rubio said. "And ours is a story of perpetual improvement. Each generation has left the next generation of Americans freer, more prosperous, safer, and that is our goal as well."

The secretary, who is a devout Catholic, added, "But it is a unique and exceptional country and, as we come upon this 250-year anniversary, I think we have a lot to learn and be proud of in our history. It is one of perpetual and continuous improvement, where each generation has done its part to bring us closer to fulfilling the vision that the founders of this country had upon its founding."

A clip of the comments grabbed over 6 million views on X.

Rubio's team also put out a minute-long vertical video of the soliloquy that included voice-over video of the secretary of state, Trump, jets flying over the White House, a diverse mix of Americans, the late President Ronald Reagan and the American flag being raised.

The video, on the secretary's X account, was viewed over 3 million times and grabbed the attention of some of the biggest names in MAGA world.

Right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who is close to Trump, retweeted the video and said, "Wow! This looks like it could be a launch video for a Presidential campaign. Amazing production quality and vibes."

Meanwhile, Elon Musk retweeted a separate video of the Rubio comments.

Vice President JD Vance has long been seen as the heir apparent to Trump and his MAGA and America First base. While Vance remains the hypothetical clear frontrunner ahead of the start of the 2028 White House race, which won't ignite until after this year's midterm elections, Rubio appears to be on the rise.

WHITE HOUSE RACE UNDERWAY: WITH 2026 LOOMING, BOTH PARTIES ARE ALREADY PLAYING FOR 2028

Thanks to an increase in his responsibilities and public profile, more recently around the U.S. operation in Venezuela and the war against Iran, Rubio has seen speculation and support for a possible presidential bid soar in recent months.

Among the most notable evidence is Rubio's strong second-place finish in March in the 2028 Republican presidential nomination straw poll at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

Rubio, who was one of more than a dozen Republican contenders who ran and lost to Trump in the tumultuous 2016 presidential race, grabbed 35% of the vote at CPAC when the straw poll results were announced this past weekend, up from a mere 3% a year earlier.

Vance, who is popular with MAGA and America First groups, finished first at 53%. While the vice president saw his support slightly edge down from 61% last year, Vance's numbers are higher than anyone else in CPAC presidential straw poll history other than Trump.

Rubio insists he'll support Vance if the vice president launches a White House campaign.

"If JD Vance runs for president, he's going to be our nominee, and I'll be one of the first people to support him," Rubio told Vanity Fair late last year.

MARCO RUBIO SPOTTED BEHIND DJ BOOTH AT FAMILY WEDDING AS SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO VIRAL CLIP

Vance, who like Rubio has highlighted his Catholic faith, will likely get plenty of chances next month to spotlight his devotion amid the release of his new book, "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith."

VANCE IN 'CATBIRD SEAT' FOR 2028 GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION, BUT THESE REPUBLICANS MAY ALSO RUN

Partially fueling Rubio's rise has been Trump, who has lavishly praised his secretary of state.

The president recently declared that Rubio would go down as "the greatest secretary of state in history."

Trump has also promoted a Vance-Rubio ticket — calling it "unstoppable" a few months ago — but has not said who should be at the top of the ticket.

But the president said last year that Vance is "most likely" his heir apparent. "In all fairness, he's the vice president," Trump added.

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And Trump, in an interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press" last year, called Vance a "fantastic, brilliant guy."

Trump, who has yet to say whom he would endorse in the race for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, added in that interview, "certainly you would say that somebody’s the VP, if that person is outstanding, I guess that person would have an advantage."

Rubio holds ‘constructive’ meeting with Pope Leo after Trump sends hard-line Iran message to Vatican

Thu, 07 May 2026 10:29:29 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo at the Vatican for "constructive" conversations on Thursday following heightened tensions between President Donald Trump and the pontiff over the U.S.-Iran conflict.

"The conversations today were friendly and constructive," a State Department official told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

Rubio, a Catholic, held a private meeting with the pope to reaffirm the Vatican-U.S. partnership early on Thursday morning. Trump said he sent Rubio to deliver what he described as a "very simple" message: Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.

Rubio and Leo discussed the situation in the Middle East and "topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere," according to a State Department readout.

RUBIO TO VISIT ITALY, VATICAN AMID TROOP DRAWDOWN CALL, TENSION WITH TRUMP, POPE LEO: REPORTS

"The meeting underscored the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See and their shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity," said spokesperson Tommy Pigott in a statement.

The Vatican issued a statement following the "cordial talks" that "renewed" a common commitment to bilateral relations.
"There was then an exchange of views on the regional and international situation, with particular attention to countries marked by war, political tensions and difficult situations Humanitarian, as well as on the need to work tirelessly for peace," the statement said.

The meeting marked the Trump administration’s first engagement with the pontiff in nearly a year following tension.

POPE LEO CALLS OUT TRUMP’S IRAN RHETORIC BEFORE LAST-MINUTE CEASEFIRE EMERGES

The pope has criticized the war with Iran by casting the conflict as a moral issue, warning that rhetoric targeting Iran’s population crosses a dangerous line.

"There has also been this threat against the entire people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable," the pope said in April. "There are certainly issues of international law here, but even more so a moral issue for the good of the whole entire population."

POPE LEO SLAMS THOSE WHO 'MANIPULATE RELIGION' FOR MILITARY OR POLITICAL GAIN, TRUMP RESPONDS

The comments were seemingly in reference to one of Trump's Truth Social posts, where he wrote, "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will... God Bless the Great People of Iran!"

Trump has taken an aggressive approach to his messaging with Iran and told reporters on Wednesday he only has one message for the pope.

"I can tell you this, that as far as the Pope is concerned, and it's very simple. Whether I make him happy or I don't make him happy, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. And he seemed to be saying that they can. And I say they cannot, because if that happened, the entire world would be hostage. And we're not going to let that happen," he said.

Following his meeting with the pope, Rubio met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state of the Holy See, to discuss shared priorities related to the conflict with Iran.

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"They reviewed ongoing humanitarian efforts in the Western Hemisphere and efforts to achieve a durable peace in the Middle East. The discussion reflected the enduring partnership between the United States and the Holy See in advancing religious freedom," said Pigott in a readout.

Rubio is set to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday.

Rubio heads to Rome with Trump’s Iran clash looming over Pope Leo, Meloni talks

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:44 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio previewed a high-profile trip to Rome from the White House briefing room Tuesday, delivering sharp warnings to Iran and flashing easy command of the podium that drew praise from conservative allies online.

"The trip is really not tied to anything other than the fact that it would be normal for us to engage, and other secretaries of state have done that in the past," Rubio said at the White House press conference on Tuesday of his trip to Italy.

The briefing came two days before Rubio is set to visit the Vatican and Italy for meetings amid heightened tensions between President Donald Trump, Pope Leo and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over the U.S.-Iran conflict. Rubio used the briefing to defend the administration’s posture toward Tehran, downplay the timing of the Italy visit and signal that Washington is not backing off its pressure campaign.

RUBIO TO VISIT ITALY, VATICAN AMID TROOP DRAWDOWN CALL, TENSION WITH TRUMP, POPE LEO: REPORTS

"The message to Iran ... these guys are facing real catastrophic destruction to their economy, generational destruction to their economy, generational destruction to the wealth of their country imposed on themselves by the actions that they're taking," said Rubio of Iran on Tuesday.

"They should check themselves before they wreck themselves in the direction that they're going," Rubio quipped, referencing Ice Cube's rap song, "Check Yo Self."

Rubio, a Catholic, is expected to meet with Pope Leo on Thursday morning, at a time when the pontiff has criticized the Trump administration’s Middle East peacemaking efforts.

RUBIO OVERHAULING 'BLOATED' STATE DEPARTMENT IN SWEEPING REFORM

RUBIO’S TRUMP ADMIN JUGGLING ACT GROWS AS MEME-WORTHY ROLE LIST BECOMES REALITY

Trump told reporters on Wednesday in the Oval Office he only has one message for the pope.

TRUMP MEETS WITH ITALIAN PM GIORGIA MELONI AT HIS MAR-A-LAGO RESORT

Rubio will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has been distancing herself from the U.S. amid mounting domestic and political pressure over the widening Middle East conflict.

The meeting comes as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on NATO allies to align with the U.S. against Iran, including ordering the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany — a drawdown expected to unfold over the next six to 12 months.

Meloni said Tuesday she would not support any effort to reduce the U.S. military presence in Italy, drawing a contrast with Trump’s broader push to reposition American forces in Europe.

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Italy remains a key U.S. security hub in Europe, hosting nearly 13,000 active-duty American troops across six bases as of the end of 2025.

Rubio heads to his high-profile meetings fresh off of social media commenters and conservative leaders applauding how well he stepped in for Karoline Leavitt behind the podium after she took maternity leave late last month. The secretary joked with reporters, fielded questions in multiple languages and delivered pointed warnings to Iran, giving supporters a glimpse of the presence he will likely carry into the Rome trip.

"Marco Rubio is showing the nation & the world what we’ve known about him for decades," said Republican Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez on X. "Rubio is one of the most eloquent, articulate, & incredibly capable statesmen of our times."

"President Trump made an EXCELLENT choice in him. He proves it every single day," he added.

Florida man arrested for allegedly threatening to kill Trump, Rubio and Bondi

Wed, 06 May 2026 14:29:06 -0400

Nathaniel Sanders II, 32, is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to kill President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former Attorney General Pam Bondi, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida announced Tuesday.

Sanders, who appeared in federal court Monday, allegedly sent numerous social media posts between January and April that threatened to kill the three leaders.

Sanders allegedly threatened to bomb the White House and mentioned first lady Melania Trump in social media posts while referencing the fact that he owned a gun, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida.

"Imma bomb the (expletive) White House," he posted on X, according to the complaint.

FAA EMPLOYEE CHARGED WITH ALLEGEDLY THREATENING TO KILL PRESIDENT TRUMP IN EMAIL TO WHITE HOUSE

"I don't know what to do Melania, like, all I got is a gun. It's the only thing I can use now is a gun," Sanders said in a video posted to Instagram, per the complaint.

Another video allegedly targeted Rubio. "Like when I get my hands on him, I'm gonna hurt him. Simple as that," Sanders said.

"Threats against public officials are not political speech," U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones said in a statement.

SUSPECT WITH LENGTHY RAP SHEET ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED PAM BONDI 'MURDER-FOR-HIRE' SCHEME: FBI

"They are serious federal crimes that endanger public safety and the rule of law. The complaint alleges that this defendant repeatedly threatened to assassinate the President of the United States and other senior officials," he added. "Those allegations will now be tested in court. Our Office will continue working with the U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners to investigate threats, protect public officials, and ensure that those who violate federal law are held accountable."

The U.S. attorney's office charged Sanders with threatening the president of the United States and transmitting threats in interstate commerce. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Investigations into his threats involve the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Diplomatic Security Service and Miami Beach Police Department.

"Making threats against the President of the United States is a federal crime, and we treat it with the seriousness it deserves every time," Special Agent in Charge Michael Townsend of the U.S. Secret Service, Miami Field Office also said.

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"It does not matter where the threat is made or what platform is used, our agents will identify you, investigate you, and work alongside our federal and local partners to bring charges when appropriate. We remain relentless in our mission to protect the President and to act swiftly against anyone who puts others at risk."

Sanders' arrest was the result of a protected intelligence investigation which highlighted the efficacy of the Secret Service to identify threats "before they can make a plan," a Secret Service spokesperson told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

ӣ��Ƶ Digital contacted the U.S. Attorney for Florida's Southern District for additional comment.

Iran demands respect at World Cup after Rubio vows IRGC connections won't be allowed

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:44:59 -0400

Iranian FA chief Mehdi Taj demanded that the U.S. respect Iran's military institutions if the team is to participate in World Cup games scheduled in California and Seattle in the coming months.

Taj's comments come after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that while the Iranian team would be allowed to compete on U.S. soil, no person affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps would be allowed across the U.S. border. Taj himself was a high-ranking member of the IRGC before joining Iran's soccer program.

"We are going to the World Cup, for which we qualified, and our host is FIFA - not Mr. Trump or America," Taj said Tuesday.

"If they accept hosting us, then they must also accept that they must not insult our military institutions in any way. Because if they do, then naturally it could create the same kind of situation that happened in Canada, where there was a possibility we might have to return."

FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO SAYS IRAN WILL 'FOR SURE' PLAY IN WORLD CUP DESPITE CONFLICT INVOLVING US

Taj's comments referenced a trip he took to the FIFA Congress in Vancouver last week. Canada, like the U.S., designates the IRGC as a terrorist organization, and Taj's visa was canceled mid-flight, and he was forced to depart the country.

"We need a guarantee there, for our trip, that they have no right to insult the symbols of our system — especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," he said in Tehran on Tuesday.

"This is something they must pay serious attention to. If there is such a guarantee and the responsibility is clearly assumed, then an incident like what happened in Canada will not happen again."

TRUMP ENVOY ASKS FIFA TO REPLACE IRAN WITH ITALY IN 2026 WORLD CUP: REPORT

An envoy for President Donald Trump reportedly asked FIFA in April to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup.

United States special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested the idea to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament," Zampolli told the Financial Times. "With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion."

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The Financial Times reported that the U.S. made the suggestion in part to help mend relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Rubio’s Trump admin juggling act grows as meme-worthy role list becomes reality

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:27:01 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has become one of the Trump administration’s most visible multitaskers, racking up a string of additional titles that have fueled viral memes, and on Tuesday, he is set to add another spotlight role when he takes the podium of the White House press briefing.

"As an invaluable member of President Trump’s national security team, Secretary Rubio will provide an update on the humanitarian successes of Project Freedom and other foreign policy priorities," White House Principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

Tuesday’s press briefing will mark the first since press secretary Karoline Leavitt took maternity leave at the end of April ahead of the birth of her second child.

MARCO RUBIO SPOTTED BEHIND DJ BOOTH AT FAMILY WEDDING AS SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO VIRAL CLIP

While Leavitt is on maternity leave, the White House is planning to have a rotation of Trump admin officials take the podium, such as Vice President JD Vance and even Trump himself.

The Secretary has been a robust figure in the Trump administration, holding multiple public-facing official and unofficial titles that have led to a parade of memes on social media.

For example, Rubio was named U.S. Administration for International Development (USAID) acting administrator shortly after being sworn in at the State Department. He was also tapped to serve as the acting archivist of the United States for roughly a year, recently handing off the post in February.

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Rubio does still serve as the interim national security advisor, a role he has held since May after the departure of Michael Waltz.

Rubio has taken social media by storm, as critics and allies of the administration share viral memes showing doctored photos of Rubio sitting in the Oval Office wearing various outfits to fit a new job role he could pick up, such as a Spirit Airlines pilot, a White House beekeeper or a Kentucky Derby jockey.

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Over the weekend, Rubio went viral for a video of him stepping behind a DJ booth at a family wedding and hyping up the crowd.

The video, posted by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino on X, shows Rubio wearing headphones and standing behind a DJ setup, leaning over the controls as music plays and guests dance nearby.

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At several points, he pumped his fist, nodded along to the beat and appeared to cue up the next track, drawing cheers from people gathered around the booth.

ӣ��Ƶ Digital’s Emma Colton, Alex Schemmel, and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.

Marco Rubio spotted behind DJ booth at family wedding as social media reacts to viral clip

Sun, 03 May 2026 20:39:02 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is going viral — not for diplomacy, but for stepping behind a DJ booth at a family wedding and hyping up the crowd in a clip shared online that’s quickly gaining attention.

At several points, he pumps his fist, nods along to the beat and appears to cue up the next track, drawing cheers from people gathered around the booth.

"MOMENTS AGO, BEHIND THE SCENES—Our Great Secretary of State @MarcoRubio DJ’s weddings too! Here he is in action tonight at a family wedding… Let’s goooooo!!!" Scavino wrote in the post.

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The track playing in the video is "Shiver" by John Summit and Hayla, a high-energy dance song known for its pulsing beat and dramatic drop — a fitting backdrop as the crowd moves in sync and reacts to the music.

The unexpected scene has set social media on fire, with users reacting to the unusual sight of a sitting U.S. secretary of state taking on DJ duties at what appears to be a family celebration.

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One user wrote, "Marco becoming the official White House DJ," while sharing an AI photo of Rubio dressed in black, wearing sunglasses and headphones and standing beside DJ equipment. The image shows Rubio in a club-like setting, with lighting and staging that mirrors a professional DJ setup.

Other X users shared AI images of Rubio mixing it up behind two turntables and a microphone.

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Another user wrote, "Marco can do it all!" posting another AI image showing Rubio at the turntables as Vice President JD Vance sits nearby on an ottoman, surrounded by haze and lighting effects.

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Rubio, who is also serving as acting national security advisor and has held several other roles, has taken on a wide range of responsibilities over the course of his career — and now, at least for one night, he can add DJ to the list.

Rubio to visit Italy, Vatican amid troop drawdown call, tension with Trump, Pope Leo: reports

Sun, 03 May 2026 07:54:38 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly planning to travel to the Vatican and Italy this week for meetings aimed at steadying relations after public spats between President Donald Trump, Pope Leo and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Rubio, a Catholic, is expected to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomatic official, Reuters reported, citing Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera.

Rubio is also expected to hold talks with Italy’s foreign and defense ministers, the Italian newspapers reported.

The visit would come at a tense moment for U.S.-European relations. The Pentagon on Friday announced a drawdown of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, the largest American base presence in Europe, as disagreements over Iran and tariffs deepen strains between Washington and several European capitals.

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Trump added he "probably should" weigh a drawdown of U.S. troops for NATO in Italy, too.

"Why shouldn't I? Italy has not been of any help to us, and Spain has been horrible," Trump said Friday from the Oval Office.

"I didn't need the help, but I said, 'Yeah, we'd love to have your help,' because I want to see if they'd do it. And they, in all cases, they said, 'We don't want to get involved.' And you know the amazing thing is they use the Strait of Hormuz, and we don't. We don't use it. We don't need it. We have a lot of oil."

Trump has praised Rubio for his peacemaking and diplomatic efforts.

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"People like you," Trump said of Rubio during his State of the Union address earlier this year. The president even joked he might consider firing Rubio after the Munich Security Conference for being so likable and effective on the world stage.

"You have done a great job, a great secretary of state. I think he'll go down as the best ever."

Italy remains one of the largest hosts of U.S. forces in Europe, with nearly 13,000 active-duty American troops stationed across six bases at the end of 2025.

It is uncertain whether Rubio will also meet with the pope, who has been critical of the Trump administration's peacemaking efforts in the Middle East.

Rubio and Vice President JD Vance attended Pope Leo's inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square and held a private meeting with him the following day in May 2025.

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The reported trip also comes weeks after Trump drew criticism from Christians across the political spectrum for attacking Leo on social media, including at one point calling the pontiff "terrible."

"I have no fear of the Trump administration," Pope Leo said last month before backing down and saying "I will not enter into debate."

Trump had repeatedly blasted the pope for criticizing the war on Iran and the Trump administration’s hard-line immigration policies.

POPE LEO SLAMS THOSE WHO 'MANIPULATE RELIGION' FOR MILITARY OR POLITICAL GAIN, TRUMP RESPONDS

"Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," Trump wrote in a scathing Truth Social post.

"Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church," he concluded.

ӣ��Ƶ reached out to the White House, State Department, Holy See press office and the Italian government for comment.

The trip is aimed in part at easing tensions between Washington and Rome after Trump publicly criticized Meloni, one of his closest European allies, over her stance on the Iran war and her defense of the pope.

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Corriere reported that Rubio’s schedule has not been finalized. La Repubblica said a meeting with Meloni has not been ruled out.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Vance, Cruz head to Iowa on 2026 missions as 2028 GOP race to succeed Trump heats up

Fri, 01 May 2026 05:00:37 -0400

Two of the biggest names in the Republican Party are making stops the next few days in Iowa, a key 2026 midterm battleground state whose caucuses, for a half century, have kicked off the GOP's presidential nominating calendar.

Vice President JD Vance and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas will have the midterms on their minds during their visits, which come with just over six months to go until this year's elections, when Republicans will be defending their slim Senate and razor-thin House majorities.

But the moment the midterms are over, the next presidential race officially gets underway. So the trips by Vance and Cruz may also pay dividends if either moves forward and launches a 2028 White House run in the race to succeed term-limited President Donald Trump.

With three competitive House seats as well as what are expected to be close Senate and gubernatorial showdowns, veteran Republican strategist David Kochel said: "Iowa’s important."

KAMALA HARRIS FUELS MORE 2028 SPECULATION WITH A STOP IN THIS KEY PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY STATE

"Because of how competitive Iowa looks to be right now... there’s going to be a lot of money coming in and a lot of attention paid and because it’s Iowa, I think we’ll have a pretty healthy parade of 2028 potentials coming through to try to do what they can to help in the midterms," Kochel emphasized. "It’s the best excuse to come to Iowa and get to know people and get seen and road test some messaging."

Cruz heads to Iowa on Friday, when he'll deliver the keynote address at the Annual Spring Kickoff for the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition, a very influential Iowa social conservative political advocacy group.

The title of the firebrand conservative senator's speech is "Constitutional Courage — ‘Cruzing’ Toward Victory: A Roadmap for 2026."

Cruz won the 2016 Iowa presidential caucuses and was runner-up to Trump in that cycle's combustible GOP presidential primaries. The senator took a hard look at making another run in the 2024 cycle before deciding to seek re-election to the Senate.

"There will be plenty of time to make those decisions. I don't have an announcement for you today," Cruz answered when asked by ӣ��Ƶ Digital recently if he was seriously considering another White House campaign.

STEPHEN A. SMITH WARNS ‘NOT A DAMN SOUL’ CAN BEAT VANCE-RUBIO TICKET IN 2028 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

But he appears to be laying the groundwork for a possible bid, as he positions himself as a conservative alternative to Vance, who is currently the odds-on favorite to be Trump's MAGA and America First heir.

Cruz has grabbed plenty of attention with his clashes with far-right figures, such as Tucker Carlson, and he's enhanced his already strong standing among conservative leaders and donors. And he's bolstered his grassroots outreach with his popular and widely downloaded podcast, "Verdict with Ted Cruz."

Vance stops in Iowa on Tuesday, when he'll appear with Republican Rep. Zach Nunn, who's facing a tough re-election this year in a swing district in the southwestern portion of the state.

The trip — Vance's first as vice president to either Iowa or New Hampshire, which follows Iowa and holds the first presidential primary in the GOP's nominating calendar — comes before what is widely expected to be a Vance 2028 campaign for the White House in the race to succeed his boss.

WHITE HOUSE RACE UNDERWAY: WITH 2026 LOOMING, BOTH PARTIES ARE ALREADY PLAYING FOR 2028

"He’s going to get a lot of exposure and TV coverage," Kochel said of Vance.

Vance has demurred when questioned about 2028, labeling speculation as "premature" and "disloyal" to Trump. He has said he's focused on his job as vice president and on helping Republicans defend their slim Senate and fragile House majorities in the midterms.

But Vance has built a political team of advisers who, if he runs as expected, would quickly build out a presidential campaign.

While Vance is the clear front-runner in the very early 2028 Republican presidential nomination polls, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has seen his support for a possible presidential bid soar this year, thanks to an increase in his responsibilities and public profile, most recently around the U.S. operation in Venezuela and the Iran war.

Rubio — who as a senator from Florida was part of the large field of GOP White House contenders who Trump defeated en route to winning the 2016 presidential election — finished a strong second to Vance last month in the 2028 Republican presidential nomination straw poll at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

Partially fueling Rubio's rise is Trump, who has lavishly praised his secretary of state.

The president recently declared that Rubio would go down as "the greatest secretary of state in history."

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Trump has also promoted a Vance-Rubio ticket — calling it "unstoppable" a few months ago — but has not said who should be at the top of the ticket.

But the president did say last year that Vance is "most likely" his heir apparent. "In all fairness, he's the vice president," Trump added.

Rubio told Vanity Fair late last year, "If JD Vance runs for president, he's going to be our nominee, and I'll be one of the first people to support him."

Regardless, Republican sources earlier this year confirmed to ӣ��Ƶ that a group of GOP donors who support the secretary of state are quietly working on ways to boost Rubio's political profile.

That's not sitting well with some in the president's political orbit.

"Vice President Vance is the future of the Republican Party, and Marco Rubio is one of his closest friends in the administration," an operative in Trump's political orbit told ӣ��Ƶ.

"The divisive stories from some donors trying to cause chaos are not helpful," the operative, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely, emphasized.

Vance has also weighed in, telling ӣ��Ƶ' Martha MacCallum in February that "Marco is my closest friend in the administration."

And the vice president, in an interview on ӣ��Ƶ' "The Story ," said, "I think it's so interesting the media wants to create this conflict where there just isn't any conflict."

In addition to Vance, Cruz, and Rubio, political pundits consider a number of other well-known Republican politicians as possible 2028 presidential contenders.

VANCE IN 'CATBIRD SEAT' FOR 2028 GOP PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION, BUT THESE REPUBLICANS MAY ALSO RUN

They are Govs. Ron DeSantis of Florida, Brian Kemp of Georgia, Sarah-Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Rick Scott of Florida.

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Also not to be ignored is Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, a MAGA champion who's running for governor this year.

Then there is Donald Trump Jr., the president-elect's eldest son and MAGA warrior. However, the younger Trump is very close to Vance, which would likely prevent him from making any White House bid in the next cycle.

Rubio warns China after Panama ship detentions, calls hemisphere sovereignty 'non-negotiable'

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:26:23 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned China that "the sovereignty of our hemisphere is non-negotiable" after the U.S. and regional allies accused Beijing of detaining Panama-flagged ships in a dispute tied to canal port control.

In a joint statement with Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. said China’s actions targeting Panama-flagged vessels were a "blatant attempt to politicize maritime trade" and infringe on regional sovereignty, framing the dispute as a broader strategic test over control of one of the world’s most critical commercial arteries.

While the Panama dispute centers on shipping detentions rather than a physical blockade, critics increasingly view it alongside battles over other strategic choke points, such as the Strait of Hormuz, as part of a widening contest over whether Beijing or Washington will shape the rules governing global trade and energy corridors.

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The confrontation follows Panama’s Supreme Court decision earlier in 2026 to invalidate the legal framework behind Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s long-held control of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals flanking the Panama Canal, a choke point that handles roughly 5% of global maritime trade.

U.S. regulators have monitored nearly 70 Panama-flagged vessels detained by Chinese authorities since March 8, according to Reuters — a surge American officials say appears designed to retaliate against Panama and pressure global shipping.

"China has used Iran to destabilize the Middle East. In effect, Iran has been China’s proxy," China expert Gordon Chang told ӣ��Ƶ Digital, arguing Beijing’s actions in Panama fit a broader global pattern in which China uses economic leverage, trade pressure and regional partners to expand influence while condemning similar tactics from Washington.

Chang said Beijing is now facing growing resistance as the U.S. increasingly moves not only against China directly, but also against governments and geopolitical flash points he argues have strengthened Beijing’s hand.

"Trump apparently decided that he would counter this sly tactic by taking China’s proxies — Venezuela, Cuba and Iran — off the board," Chang said.

HOUSE REPUBLICANS INTRODUCE BILL TO REPURCHASE PANAMA CANAL AFTER TRUMP RAISES CONCERNS OF CHINESE CONTROL

He also framed pressure on Iran and threats to the Strait of Hormuz as part of a larger strategic effort aimed at both Tehran and Beijing.

"Closing the Strait of Hormuz is a two-fer, starving Iran’s regime and shaking China’s already fragile economy," Chang said. "Trump is using energy to reorder the world."

Chang also accused Beijing of hypocrisy over trade.

"China’s Communists invented hypocrisy. Nobody does hypocrisy better than the Chinese Communists," he said, arguing that China long benefited from a global trading system it increasingly weaponized for geopolitical purposes.

"The elemental truth is that China started this cycle of action and retaliation," Chang said. "If China had not threatened America, America would not have leaned on Panama. If America had not leaned on Panama, China would not have detained Panamanian vessels."

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China has rejected accusations that it is politicizing trade, with its foreign ministry arguing U.S. criticism reflects Washington’s own strategic ambitions around the canal.

China's Foreign Ministry called the statement on Wednesday "entirely baseless and misleading", said it would take steps to safeguard China's interests in Panama, and accused the United States of politicizing ports, according to Reuters.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., spokesperson Liu Pengyu told ӣ��Ƶ Digital that, "Chinese competent authorities conducted routine inspections of vessels in accordance with laws and regulations. The allegations are completely unfounded and merely a distortion of facts. It is the United States that has framed normal affairs concerning relevant terminals as issues about politics and security, making pretenses and slandering others with rumors. China’s position on the Panamanian ports issue is clear and will firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests. We urge relevant countries not to be blinded and utilized by those with ill intentions."

Reuters contributed to this article.

ӣ��Ƶ Poll: Modest boost in support for Iran conflict, but concerns persist

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 18:00:04 -0400

As the war in Iran nears the two-month mark, a new ӣ��Ƶ Poll shows a modest uptick in support, though voters remain divided on key aspects of the conflict – especially over its long-term consequences and U.S. safety.

The survey, released Thursday, shows support for the current military action in Iran at 45%, up from 42% support last month. A majority of 55% oppose it.

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Still, a slim majority thinks things are going well in Iran (51% well vs. 49% not well), a flip from March when voters said the action was not going well (47% vs. 52%).

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The bump in support for the war can be mostly attributed to non-MAGA Republicans (+11 points in support), Hispanic voters (+10), men over age 45 (+8), and independents (+5).

Looking at the likely effect on security, voters still narrowly say the action will make the U.S. less safe (36% safer, 39% less safe, 25% no difference). However, this gap has narrowed since March (33%, 44%, 23% respectively).

Voters are also not convinced the costs of the war are worth it. A 57% majority believes the action will not improve U.S. safety enough to justify the problems it has created, while 43% say the short-term problems will be worth it in the long run.

Although voters across the board express skepticism, partisan differences are stark. Roughly 3 in 10 Republicans, 7 in 10 independents, and 8 in 10 Democrats, think improved safety does not justify the challenges.

The most important objectives for voters are avoiding a prolonged conflict and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open (80% say it is extremely or very important for each). Majorities also think it’s extremely or very important to end Iran's nuclear weapons program (72%), support the people of Iran (65%) and bring about changes to Iran's government (55%).

The top objective for Democrats and independents is avoiding a prolonged conflict, while for Republicans it’s ending Iran’s nuclear program.

Six in 10 (59%) rate the performance of the U.S. military in the conflict as excellent (32%) or good (27%), about where sentiment was last month (58% excellent/good).

More than 5 in 10 independents (53%) and 8 in 10 Republicans (81%) rate the military positively, while just 4 in 10 Democrats agree (40%).

"One of the more remarkable statistics attesting to the country’s intense polarization is that when asked about the U.S. military’s performance in Iran, by 20 percentage points Democrats rate it negatively, and it’s difficult to proffer an explanation other than those who dislike President Trump are unwilling to say anything positive about anything he touches," says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who works on ӣ��Ƶ polls with Democrat Chris Anderson.

Among those who have served in the military, support for the current action in Iran has dipped slightly (down 4 points since March), but a majority still supports it (57%), thinks things are going well (65%), rates the military positively (78% excellent/good) and half think the military action will make the U.S. safer (50%).

Trump said Tuesday the U.S. will extend its ceasefire with Iran, a day before it was set to end and amid a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. This comes as peace talks in Pakistan involving Vice President JD Vance were delayed as Iran has not committed to participating yet. The survey was conducted April 17-20.

When asked to rate how tough Trump has been on Iran, more voters say he’s been too tough (40%), rather than not tough enough (28%) or about right (30%).

The 40% saying Trump is too tough is up from 18% in May 2019 (the last time the question was asked) – mainly driven by Democrats and independents thinking he’s too tough now.

When it comes to the president’s approach to China, however, results are reversed: 21% say he’s too tough, 40% not tough enough, and 38% about right.

More broadly, Trump’s job performance on foreign policy is underwater by 20 points (40% approve, 60% disapprove). He does slightly better on his handling of China (42%, 57%) but worse on Iran (37%, 63%).

His overall job rating sits at 42% approve and 58% disapprove, about where it was last month (41%-59%).

Some Cabinet officials are also facing headwinds in their job performance. Vance's net approval rating is -11 points (44% approve - 55% disapprove) and down from -8 in December.

Sec. of State Rubio’s net approval rating is -12, down from -5, which is the steepest decline in the Cabinet (44% approve, 56% disapprove).

Sec. of War Hegseth’s rating ticked up 2 points to -17, but he remains the lowest rated of the three (41% approve, 58% disapprove).

Iran is not the only foreign policy issue where voters are divided. They are split on U.S. support of Israel, as 40% say it’s too supportive, another 40% about right, and 19% say not supportive enough.

At 40%, the share saying the U.S. is too supportive is the highest since 2023, up from 35% the last time the question was asked in September 2025.

Democrats under age 45 (+9 points saying too supportive since 2025) and Republicans under age 45 (+7), are increasingly more likely to feel the U.S. is too supportive of Israel. Republicans ages 45+ have the highest share of those who think support is about right (70%) while Democrats ages 45+ say too supportive (57%).

The largest share of Protestants (45%), Catholics (44%), and White Catholics (48%) say support is about right.

On Ukraine, 39% of voters say the U.S. should be doing more to support them against Russia, 26% say less and 34% feel the U.S. is doing the right amount. This is close to where sentiment has been since last summer.

One more thing…

Trump is a frequent poster on social media, and a majority of voters see these posts as instant reactions to current events (65%) rather than strategic efforts to accomplish goals (34%).

Still, the number viewing them as strategic is up 15 points since 2018, when only 19% said his tweeting had a broader purpose. At that time, 28% of Republicans felt his tweeting was strategic compared to the 52% who feel that way about his social media posts today. That compares with smaller increases among independents (+13 points) and Democrats (+4).

CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE

Conducted April 17-20, 2026, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this ӣ��Ƶ survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,001 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (116) and cellphones (635) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (250). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the most recent American Community Survey, ӣ��Ƶ Voter Analysis, and voter file data.

ӣ��Ƶ Poll: 56% doubt White House’s competence at managing government

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:00:05 -0400

A 56% majority of voters say the Trump administration has not been competent at managing the federal government, according to a ӣ��Ƶ poll released Wednesday. Two in 10 Republicans join most independents (7 in 10) and Democrats (9 in 10) in holding that view, while 4 in 10 non-MAGA Republicans also agree.

Overall, 43% think the White House has been competent at running the government.

Those numbers aren’t unusual. Trump’s marks are in line with those for the Obama administration in 2015, when a high of 44% said it was competent, and the most recent ratings for the Biden administration, when 38% said it was competent in 2022 (that’s down from 51% competent in 2021).

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"It may come as cold comfort to the White House, but there’s a tendency for voters to be harsh toward all presidents," says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who helps conduct ӣ��Ƶ polls with Democrat Chris Anderson. "The president’s numbers show how difficult it is to win independents and out-partisans."

President Trump receives negative job ratings for his handling of immigration (46% approve, 54% disapprove), China (42-57), foreign policy (40-60), Iran (37-63), the economy (34-66), government spending (33-67), and inflation (28-72). His only positive rating is on border security (53-47).

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Most of those marks are lower than Trump’s overall job performance as president: 42% of voters approve, while 58% disapprove. Last month, it was 41-59 (March 20-23, 2026).

Also, some top cabinet officials receive negative ratings. Vice President Vance's job rating is underwater by 11 percentage points (44% approve, 55% disapprove), while Secretary of State Rubio's is negative by 12 points (44-56) and Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s is negative by 17 (41-58).

Among Republicans, more approve of Vance’s job performance (84%) than Rubio’s (77%) or Hegseth’s (76%). Each of their ratings is at least 20 points higher among MAGA Republicans than non-MAGA Republicans. Vance’s approval is higher than Rubio’s and Hegseth’s mostly because of support among MAGA Republicans, who rate Vance about 10 points higher.

The new survey also asks voters to rate the president on several traits, and again the findings are more negative than positive. More than half say Trump doesn’t care about people like them and lacks the appropriate judgment, mental soundness, and temperament to serve effectively as the country’s leader.

The 60% who think Trump lacks the right temperament is an increase in negative views since just before the 2024 election when 52% felt that way. However, it’s roughly the same as during most of his 2016 presidential campaign.

While a majority of 57% believe the president lacks the right judgment, some 42% think he has it — that’s unchanged compared to 2023 and an improvement from a low of 36% in 2016.

More than 6 in 10 say Trump doesn’t care about people like them. The 37% who say he cares is down from a high of 44% in 2024.

Another 55% say Trump does not have the mental soundness to serve. That’s up 7 points since late 2024 and near the high of 56% in 2023. In comparison, 65% said former President Biden lacked the mental soundness to be president around the time he dropped his re-election campaign in July 2024.

CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE

Among Democrats, 9 in 10 or more say Trump lacks the traits necessary to serve as president effectively. Conversely, at least 9 in 10 MAGA Republicans think he possesses the right qualities, but that drops to about 6 in 10 or fewer among non-MAGA Republicans. Independents are more likely to describe Trump as lacking judgment, temperament, mental soundness, and empathy.

ӣ��Ƶ’ Victoria Balara contributed to this report.

Rubio targets Nicaraguan official over alleged torture tied to 'brutal' Ortega regime

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:51:27 -0400

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Saturday that the Trump administration is sanctioning a senior Nicaraguan official over alleged human rights violations.

Rubio said the U.S. is designating Vice Minister of the Interior Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa for his role in "gross violations of human rights" under the government of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, the latest effort to hold the regime accountable.

"The Trump administration continues to hold the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship accountable for brutal human rights violations against Nicaraguans," Rubio said in a post on X.

"I’m designating Nicaraguan Vice Minister of the Interior Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa for his role in human rights violations."

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The designation was made under Section 7031(c), which allows the State Department to bar foreign officials and their immediate family members from entering the United States due to involvement in significant corruption or human rights abuses.

The State Department has said the Ortega-Murillo government has engaged in arbitrary arrests, torture and extrajudicial killings after mass protests that began in April 2018.

"Nearly eight years ago, the Rosario Murillo and Daniel Ortega dictatorship unleashed a brutal wave of repression against Nicaraguans who courageously stood against the regime’s increased tyranny, corruption and abuse," the statement said.

The State Department said the sanction marked the anniversary of the 2018 protests, after which more than 325 protesters were murdered.

A panel of U.N.-backed human rights experts previously accused Nicaragua’s government of systematic abuses "tantamount to crimes against humanity" after an investigation into the country’s crackdown on political dissent, according to The Associated Press.

The experts said the repression intensified after mass protests in 2018 and has since expanded across large parts of society, targeting perceived opponents of the government.

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Nicaragua’s government has rejected those findings.

The designation follows a series of recent U.S. actions targeting the Ortega-Murillo government. In February, the State Department sanctioned five senior Nicaraguan officials tied to repression, citing arbitrary detention, torture, killings and the targeting of clergy, media and civil society.

Earlier this week, the department also announced sanctions on individuals and companies linked to Nicaragua’s gold sector, including two of Ortega and Murillo’s sons, accusing the regime of using the industry to generate foreign currency, launder assets and consolidate power within the ruling family.

The State Department said the move is part of ongoing efforts to hold the Nicaraguan government accountable for its actions.

ӣ��Ƶ Digital reached out to the Nicaraguan government and its embassy in Washington for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

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The Trump administration has taken an increasingly aggressive posture in the Western Hemisphere in recent months, including a Jan. 3, 2026, operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

The U.S. has also carried out a series of strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the region, part of a broader crackdown tied to regional security and narcotics enforcement efforts.

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