GUATEMALA CITY — Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday emphasized the rationale behind the dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and commended President Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion regarding the management of the Gaza Strip. Rubio asserted that the decision to dismantle USAID stemmed from “insubordination” among its personnel, who allegedly declined to fulfill requests to provide justifications for the agency’s budget and ongoing projects.
During a press conference held in Guatemala City, Rubio characterized Trump’s proposal to take control of the Gaza Strip as a “very generous” initiative aimed at reconstructing and revitalizing a region devastated by conflict. This discussion was prompted by Trump’s remarks made earlier during a news conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he proposed that displaced Palestinians in Gaza could be permanently relocated and envisioned U.S. “ownership” in transforming the area into what he termed “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
Rubio clarified that this move should not be perceived as antagonistic but rather as an act of generosity. He compared the current conditions in Gaza to a catastrophic natural disaster, citing hazardous remnants, unexploded ordnance, and debris that render the area unlivable. He emphasized the urgent need for interim housing solutions while reconstruction efforts are underway.
In a surprising order from the Trump administration, nearly all USAID employees stationed overseas are being recalled and pulled from their assignments. Rubio indicated that the initial goal was to maintain operations at the agency while assessing expenditures, but a lack of cooperation from staff, described as acts of insubordination, resulted in this drastic measure. He expressed disappointment, stating, “It is not the direction I wanted it. It’s not the way we wanted to do it initially, but it is the way we will have to do it now.” He further warned that without alignment to U.S. foreign policy interests, billions of dollars in foreign aid could become a gift to geopolitical adversaries.
Immigration has been a significant priority for the Trump administration and was a focal point of Rubio’s first diplomatic mission as Secretary of State, which encompasses a five-nation tour across Central America. While in Guatemala, President Bernardo Arévalo announced that his country would accept deported migrants from other nations. Under a newly established “safe third country” agreement, these deportees would subsequently be returned to their respective home countries, funded by the United States.
Arévalo conveyed that there would be a 40% increase in the number of flights for deportations, which include both Guatemalan nationals and individuals from other countries. This announcement followed a similar yet broader agreement made by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who stated that his country would welcome deportees of any nationality, including U.S. citizens and legal residents convicted of violent offenses.
