Secretary of State Marco Rubio has wasted no time in shaking up Foggy Bottom with a clear and forceful agenda aimed at prioritizing American interests and undoing the progressive policies of the previous administration. Within hours of taking office, Rubio issued a sweeping department-wide directive that left no room for ambiguity: the State Department’s mission is being realigned, and the era of politicized diplomacy is officially over.
In a lengthy cable obtained by RealClearPolitics, Rubio outlined a bold new vision for the department. Every dollar spent, every policy implemented, and every program funded must answer three fundamental questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous? This bottom-line approach is a stark departure from the Biden administration’s emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as globalist initiatives like prioritizing climate change and social engineering over pragmatic diplomacy.
Rubio made it crystal clear that illegal immigration is at the top of his agenda. Calling it “the most consequential issue of our time,” he pledged that the State Department will no longer fund or support activities that facilitate mass migration. Under Biden, illegal crossings surged to record levels, with over two million illegal immigrants entering the U.S. annually. The department’s funding of NGOs that assist illegal immigrants in entering the country has been halted, and Rubio’s directive places this issue squarely in the purview of all State Department operations. This signals a seismic shift, aligning diplomacy with Trump’s broader immigration priorities.
The 2020 George Floyd murals in the war-torn cities of Kabul, Afganistan and Idlib, Syria have to been peak woke.https://t.co/xUjG32OARchttps://t.co/7BQPjPLiB1 pic.twitter.com/dhKbECLtHt
— David Palmer (@DavePalmerUK1) January 14, 2025
Perhaps the most significant departure from the previous administration is the dismantling of DEI programs within the department. Rubio has faithfully executed President Trump’s executive orders shuttering DEI offices and eliminating programs that prioritize hiring, training, and promotions based on identity politics. In his message to staff, Rubio reiterated the importance of a meritocracy, stating, “To fulfill our mission, the State Department must continue to attract and retain the most capable people in federal service.” Any practice that prioritizes diversity over competence is now banned, and violators can expect swift disciplinary action.
This includes ending positions like the special representative for racial equity and justice and the chief diversity officer—roles that had flourished under Biden. Rubio emphasized that these initiatives not only divided Americans but also created friction with other nations, obstructing the department’s ability to advance core national interests. As Rubio bluntly put it, the State Department is returning to “the basics of diplomacy.”
Another major shift involves the department’s “One Flag Policy,” which bans embassies from flying anything other than the American flag. During the Biden administration, embassies were permitted—and in some cases encouraged—to fly pride flags, Black Lives Matter flags, and other symbols of left-wing political movements. Not anymore. The policy is simple: the Stars and Stripes alone will fly over American facilities, uniting all citizens under the principles of justice, liberty, and democracy. Any violation will result in termination or reassignment.
Rubio also took aim at Biden’s climate change agenda, which he argued weakened America’s foreign policy. While the department will not ignore environmental concerns, Rubio made it clear that its focus will be realigned toward achieving “energy dominance,” a core component of President Trump’s vision for America. This shift reflects a pragmatic approach to foreign policy that prioritizes American strength and economic independence over appeasing global climate activists.
BREAKING: Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed that all State Department employees with scheduled government travel or official conference appearances must undergo a review and reapproval process to ensure their actions align with President Trump’s policies and priorities.
— Patrick Webb (@RealPatrickWebb) January 22, 2025
One of the most significant reversals comes in the realm of censorship. Under Biden, the State Department’s Global Engagement Center was accused of engaging in efforts to control narratives and suppress dissent, including within the United States. Rubio has drawn a red line, stating that “censoring Americans is not the State Department’s job.” While combating enemy propaganda will remain a priority, any program that “opens the door to censorship of the American people” will be terminated immediately.
Rubio’s cable also called out the department’s recent focus on promoting transgenderism and progressive cultural policies in foreign nations, which he argued undermined American credibility abroad. For example, under Biden, embassies engaged in controversial actions like erecting a George Floyd mural in Kabul—an act that left locals confused and alienated. Rubio’s message is clear: the State Department will no longer prioritize divisive cultural agendas but will instead focus on pragmatic diplomacy and advancing core American interests.
Rubio’s directive marks a clear break with the policies of his predecessor, Antony Blinken. Where Blinken pursued a progressive vision that emphasized social justice and climate initiatives, Rubio is doubling down on national security, economic strength, and a return to traditional diplomacy. He’s also putting the department on notice: this isn’t going to be a game of “let’s don’t and say we did.” Rubio has made it clear that any failure to comply with Trump’s orders will be met with swift consequences.
