Secretary of State Rubio Defends Trump Foreign Policy in Senate Hearing

Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced a heated Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing where he defended the Trump administration’s foreign policy amid sharp Democratic criticism. Rubio highlighted achievements such as renewed nuclear talks with Iran, peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine, and agreements with Latin American countries on migrant deportees, asserting that budget cuts would enhance U.S. international standing. Democrats, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen who expressed regret over his confirmation vote, challenged Rubio on the administration's policies, refugee admissions, and foreign assistance budget reductions. Rubio engaged pointedly with critics, defending expulsions of criminal Venezuelan gang members and opposing what he called an unrealistic immigration approach. Committee Chairman Jim Risch praised the administration’s spending cuts and nuclear diplomacy, while Democrats argued these moves weaken U.S. influence globally. The hearing underscored partisan divides over the direction of U.S. foreign policy under Rubio’s stewardship.