Staff Reports
Not exactly breaking news, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently laid down the law on the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Guatemala City. During his appearance, he explained that the agency’s disbandment was less of a strategic move and more of a response to a bunch of stubborn bureaucrats who didn’t want to play ball. Apparently, when it comes to justifying their budgets, the folks at USAID forgot that “yes sir” should have been their first answer.
Rubio didn’t stop with USAID’s fate. He also offered a cheerful endorsement of President Trump’s controversial idea to take ownership of Gaza. The plan, which was part of a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggests that the U.S. could invest in transforming the disaster zone into something akin to the French Riviera. Apparently, building luxurious beach resorts in war-torn areas is a sign of goodwill. Who says Republicans lack creativity?
Marco Rubio defends dismantling of USAID, praises Trump’s proposal for U.S. control of Gaza Striphttps://t.co/CGNSrHn4nQ pic.twitter.com/LjCY8c5a4g
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 6, 2025
For Rubio, the Gaza Strip isn’t just a conflict-ridden hellhole; it’s a chance to channel a little bit of American optimism into international development. He argued that Gaza is a disaster area, filled with unexploded bombs and rubble. The idea behind taking control of the territory is not hostile; it’s downright generous. After all, who wouldn’t want to pack up a suitcase and take a trip to the “Riviera of the Middle East”? Forget about treacherous roads and terrorist threats; it’s about making travel goals.
The dismantling of USAID, originally intended to keep the agency afloat during budget reviews, turned into a fire drill because, let’s be real, the bureaucrats just wouldn’t cooperate. Rubio emphasized that rather than handing over billions to countries that don’t align with American interests, it’s better to hightail it out of USAID. His solution? Take a hard line. If government employees think their comfy jobs come without accountability, they’re about to get a rude awakening.
Shifting gears, Rubio also mulled over immigration—another hot topic in his first foreign trip as top diplomat. The Guatemalan President, Bernardo Arévalo, was keen to make his own deals, offering to take deported migrants and sending them back to their home countries, courtesy of Uncle Sam’s wallet. Not to be outdone, El Salvador chimed in with an even broader proposal. It appears that Central America is now a new hub for deportees. After all, it seems only fair that countries south of the border should also share in the joys of handling America’s immigration challenges, right?
One thing is clear: whether it’s dismantling USAID or proposing to renovate Gaza, Rubio and the Trump administration are committed to shaking things up. The irony may be thick, but when it comes to foreign affairs, the message remains crystal clear: America first, and everyone else can get in line.
