|
December 12 – December 19
The United States will continue to stand with our allies and partners while protecting American interests.
Here’s what happened at State this week. ⤵️
- 🕊️President Trump addressed the nation, highlighting his work restoring American strength and achieving peace in the Middle East.
- 🇺🇲 Secretary Rubio held an end-of-year briefing where he discussed global issues and American priorities.
- 🇦🇺The U.S. expressed unwavering solidarity with Australia following recent attacks, reaffirming the unshakeable bond between our nations.
 President Trump addresses the nation Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House. (Official White House photo by Daniel Torok)
In an address to the nation on December 17, President Trump highlighted his success in strengthening American trade and securing peace deals around the world. The President detailed a record of decisive action that has established the United States as the world’s preeminent power.
"I’ve restored American strength, settled eight wars in 10 months, destroyed the Iran nuclear threat, and ended the war in Gaza," President Trump stated. Highlighting the return of American captives from Hamas, he noted the Administration has "secured the release of the hostages, both living and dead," bringing a new era of stability to the Middle East for the first time in millennia.
 Secretary Rubio delivers remarks to the press at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., December 19, 2025. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)
On December 19, Secretary Rubio gave a year-end press briefing where he answered wide-ranging questions about foreign policy issues, outlined America's security priorities, and highlighted the Administration's wins for the American people.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that the Department’s primary mission remains the decisive implementation of the "America First" agenda.
"The core principle behind our foreign policy needs to be our national interests," Secretary Rubio told reporters. "We are in favor of foreign policies that will make America safer, or stronger, or more prosperous — hopefully all three, but at least one of those."
During the hours-long press conference, Secretary Rubio discussed the Administration's efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, its progress on building lasting stability in the Middle East, and the steps America is taking to protect its citizens from narco-traffickers in the Western Hemisphere.
Watch the whole briefing.
 Secretary Rubio meets with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ramírez Lezcano at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., to sign a Status of Forces Agreement. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)
On December 15, Secretary Rubio signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with Paraguay’s Foreign Minister Rubén Ramirez. This agreement provides the legal framework for enhanced military-to-military cooperation and joint training exercises.
"This agreement is a testament to the strengthening of our bilateral relationship," Secretary Rubio remarked. "Paraguay is a key partner in the region, and this SOFA will allow our two nations to work more closely together to address shared security challenges and promote regional stability."
 President Trump participates in a Hanukkah reception at the White House on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. (Official White House photo by Molly Riley)
President Trump and Secretary Rubio reached out to the people of Australia to express their sincere condolences and enduring solidarity in the aftermath of deadly attacks targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach.
“We’re joined in mourning all those who were killed,” President Trump said. “All nations must stand against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism.”
In a call with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Secretary Rubio condemned the violence and reaffirmed that the U.S. stands shoulder to shoulder with Australia.
“No community should have to fear publicly celebrating their faith and traditions due to the threat of extremist violence and terror,” Secretary Rubio said.
On December 16, Secretary Rubio briefed members of Congress on the Department’s latest counter-drug operations. "It's our 22nd or 23rd bipartisan engagement," Secretary Rubio told reporters.
The briefing focused on the Administration’s successful efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit narcotics before they reach U.S. borders.
"[We're] focused on dismantling the infrastructure of these terrorist organizations that are operating in our hemisphere [and]... poisoning Americans," Secretary Rubio said.
On December 16, the White House announced an entry ban on nationals from seven countries: Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria. Per a White House fact sheet, suspended entry also applies to individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. The announcement cited insufficient vetting in the countries of origin, as noted in Proclamation 10949.
These new restrictions add to the entry prohibitions already applied to 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
|
