Washington DC (TDI): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed a wide range of issues in an interview with local media, including Gaza, Ukraine, migration, Latin America, and the Middle East.
On Friday, Marco Rubio spoke on The Clay Travis and Buck Saxton Show, where he discussed drug trafficking and illegal immigration on Fox News. He said,
“Putting America first means protecting our region – keeping deadly drugs like fentanyl out of our cities, deporting illegal migrants and criminals, and stopping the economic, technological, and political influence of Communist China throughout our hemisphere.”
Rubio addressed the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, reiterating the US commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The reason why he (Donald Trump) is the only person in the world who can end this conflict with Ukraine and Russia, the only person who can act as a catalyst for some structure in the Middle East that prevents just endless cycles of war is that he understands the language of how to put deals together.”
.@SecRubio to @ClayTravis and @BuckSexton on President Trump: “The reason why he’s the only person in the world that can end this conflict with Ukraine and Russia, the only person who can act as a catalyst for some structure in the Middle East that prevents just endless cycles of… pic.twitter.com/9WHOXfhsr5
— The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show (@clayandbuck) February 13, 2025
Read More: New US Secretary of State Outlines Ukraine Peace Plan
During the interview, he also stated that his visits to Latin American countries such as Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador, and Costa Rica have yielded immediate results.
Previously, Panama had opted out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI); El Salvador agreed to take deportees of any nationality into their jails, while Costa Rica is expanding cooperation with the US against drug trafficking, crime, and terrorists.
Secretary Rubio commended El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, noting that Bukele is a “strong supporter” of the United States and that the Biden administration has treated him “poorly.”
On the other hand, Rubio also lauded the Dominican Republic’s efforts in combating drug trafficking, corruption, and crime.
Secretary Rubio also challenged the Arab states to show their “Gaza Plans” and asked them to come up with them so we (the US) could look at their plans.
RUBIO TO ARAB NATIONS: SHOW US YOUR GAZA PLAN
.@SecRubio to @ClayTravis and @BuckSexton: “If the Arab countries have a better plan, then that’s great. They say they do, they’re going to come up with it… I can tell you any plan that leaves Hamas there is going to be… pic.twitter.com/E1aKnLLfBZ
— The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show (@clayandbuck) February 13, 2025
Secretary Rubio highlighted concerns about the ceasefire and the release of hostages. He emphasises the need for a post-conflict plan for Gaza, criticising the lack of contributions from regional countries. Rubio stresses that any plan allowing Hamas to remain in power is unacceptable.
Read More: Saudi Arabia Rejects Displacement of Gazans
He discussed ongoing talks with Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan, to develop a viable solution for accepting Gazans into their countries. Rubio also announced his plans to visit the Middle East to listen to their proposals and report to the President.
