In a recent discussion on the Ben Shapiro Show, Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborated on significant changes he initiated within the State Department, particularly concerning the disbandment of what was formerly known as the Global Engagement Center. Rubio criticized the evolution of the center, initially aimed at countering radical groups like al-Qaida and ISIS, stating it evolved into a mechanism targeting political speech in America, labeling it disinformation with taxpayer funding. Emphasizing the need to promote free speech, Rubio declared, “We’re going to be in the business of promoting free speech in America and around the world as a core American value.”
This initiative includes reassessing roles that the center played in targeting political voices within the U.S., an essential step in preventing future misuse. Rubio explained the importance of documenting these instances as a form of accountability, intending to avoid repetition of such practices in the future.
The conversation also touched on other areas of foreign aid and immigration policies. Rubio mentioned USAID, highlighting how its humanitarian purpose had been overshadowed by political agendas, specifically referencing the infusion of domestic political priorities into foreign aid. “We’re going to continue to do humanitarian aid. What we’re not going to do is use humanitarian aid to spread a domestic ideological movement globally,” Rubio stated.
Regarding immigration policies, Rubio addressed the State Department's stance on visa revocations for individuals involved in activities supporting terrorism and clarified that obtaining a student visa is not a right but a privilege. He asserted, “We have a right to deny visas before you get here, and we have a right to revoke them if we believe that your presence in our country undermines our national interest, our national security, and our foreign policy.”
The conversation also confronted controversies surrounding deportations, including the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student involved in illegal protest activities. Rubio explained that the administration's actions align with upholding national interests and maintaining security.
In closing, Secretary Rubio highlighted the administration's efforts in managing immigration more effectively, emphasizing a secure border and a shift in incentives discouraging unlawful entry.
