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October 2 - October 8
On Monday, we celebrate the legacy of the great explorer Christopher Columbus. May his courage and intrepid spirit spur Americans to reach for new frontiers.
Here’s what happened at State this week. ⤵️
- Secretary Rubio delivered a speech at the Acropolis defending Western civilization.
- Secretary Rubio commemorated the horrific October 7 attacks.
- The State Department released the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report.
 Secretary Rubio delivers remarks from the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, October 7, 2026. (State Dept.)
Secretary Rubio delivered a major address at the Acropolis in Athens, focusing on the defense and preservation of Western civilization. The Secretary emphasized the importance of shared Western values and America’s ongoing commitment to protecting the cultural and democratic heritage that unites allied nations.
“The history of Greece shows us an image of ourselves,” Secretary Rubio said in remarks available to watch on the Department’s YouTube channel. “The story of our civilization is the greatest story ever known to man.”
During his visit to Athens, the Secretary also participated in the opening session of the U.S.-Greece Strategic Dialogue and held a joint press availability with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to deepen bilateral security and economic cooperation.
During his trip to Europe, Secretary Rubio also visited Iceland and Portugal to deepen cooperation on defense and energy security between NATO allies.
In Reykjavik, Secretary Rubio noted the island nation’s strategic importance to the defense of the North Atlantic. “Iceland and its location plays a critical role in the defense both of Europe but also of the homeland of the United States because of geography,” Secretary Rubio said.
“The U.S. and Iceland are working to strengthen security and prosperity in the Arctic,” he said.
In Lisbon, Secretary Rubio met with the Portuguese Foreign Minister to advance defense, economic, and technological cooperation. They also launched the U.S.-Portugal CEO Forum.
“We are turning economic diplomacy into economic opportunity through greater trade and investment,” Secretary Rubio said on X.
Commemorating the October 7 Attacks
The Secretary commemorated the October 7 attacks, when Hamas carried out the most brutal terrorist attack in Israel’s history, killing more than 1,200 innocent people, including 46 Americans, and taking 254 hostages.
“Three years ago today, Hamas terrorists tortured, mutilated, and murdered 1,200 innocent civilians in Israel,” Secretary Rubio posted on X. “We will never forget this act of barbarism against an ally and recommit ourselves to the defense of civilization.”
The State Department released the 2026 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, detailing the global progress and ongoing challenges in the fight against human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is a direct assault on the values of freedom and dignity that define America,” the Department said when they released the report. “The 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report reveals new ways criminal organizations and repressive regimes use this abhorrent practice for financial gain.”
The comprehensive report continues to serve as the U.S. government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking, highlighting the administration's efforts to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators accountable worldwide.
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