Rubio vows to end State Department programs that “open the door to censorship”
By isabelle // 2025-01-29
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  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the end of State Department programs that could lead to censorship, marking a sharp break from Biden-era policies.
  • Rubio condemned past efforts, like the Global Engagement Center, for suppressing American voices and vowed to protect First Amendment rights.
  • He criticized the State Department’s focus on ideology over national interests, calling for a return to pragmatic diplomacy.
  • Rubio pledged to prioritize national security, prosperity, and alliances while ending divisive cultural and climate-focused foreign policies.
Newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday that the State Department will no longer promote programs that “open the door to censorship.” Rubio, 53, sent a cable to every U.S. diplomatic and consular post worldwide on his first day in office, signaling a sharp departure from the Biden administration’s approach to combating so-called “disinformation.” The former Republican senator from Florida vowed to terminate any initiatives that could lead to the suppression of American voices, while also refocusing U.S. diplomacy on core national interests. Rubio’s announcement comes as a direct response to concerns over the Biden administration’s controversial Global Engagement Center (GEC), which critics accused of pressuring social media platforms to censor COVID-19-related content and labeling legitimate news outlets as purveyors of “disinformation.” The GEC was shuttered in the final weeks of the Biden presidency, but fears lingered that its functions would simply be rebranded under a different name. Rubio’s cable made it clear that such practices would not continue under his leadership.

A stand against censorship

In his message to State Department employees, Rubio condemned the “agencies and programs of our own government” that engaged in “censorship, suppression, and misinformation.” He emphasized that while the department would remain vigilant against “enemy propaganda,” it would not tolerate programs that infringe on the First Amendment rights of American citizens. He added that any programs that "lead or in any way open the door to censorship of the American people will be terminated." His stance aligns with President Trump’s Day One executive order, which barred federal funds from being used to “engage in or facilitate any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen.” Rubio’s commitment to free speech has been widely praised by the many Americans who view the Biden administration’s disinformation efforts as an overreach that stifled dissent and undermined trust in public institutions.

Refocusing diplomacy on national interests

Beyond his stance on censorship, Rubio outlined a broader vision for the State Department, calling for a return to “the basics of diplomacy.” He criticized the department’s recent emphasis on “ideology over common sense,” arguing that such an approach had caused it to “misread the world.” Rubio urged employees to justify every dollar spent, every program funded, and every policy pursued by answering three simple questions: Does it make the country safer, stronger, and more prosperous? He also pledged to end the promotion of “mass migration” and to stop reorienting foreign policy around climate initiatives that he believes weaken America. “Far too much of America’s diplomacy is focused on pushing political and cultural causes that are divisive at home and deeply unpopular abroad,” Rubio wrote. “This creates unnecessary friction with other nations and obstructs our ability to conduct a pragmatic foreign policy.” Instead, Rubio vowed to revitalize alliances, strengthen ties with partners, and counter the “malign activities” of adversaries. He emphasized the need to adapt to a rapidly changing world, where new challenges require innovative solutions. Rubio’s first day as secretary of state marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. By taking a firm stand against censorship and refocusing the State Department’s priorities on national security and prosperity, Rubio is positioning himself as a key player in the Trump administration’s efforts to restore American strength and credibility on the global stage. Sources for this article include: NYPost.com Revolver.news FoxNews.com
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