Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Trump’s decision to freeze most US aid, citing concerns that aid groups criticizing the move may be doing so for political gain. Rubio, on a Latin America tour, stated that waivers would allow for life-saving aid to continue despite the suspension. He criticized organizations for not knowing how to apply for waivers, questioning their competence or motives. Despite concerns from NGOs about the impact on operations, Rubio emphasized the importance of focusing aid on advancing national interests. He also highlighted Costa Rica as a key US partner in combating migration and drug trafficking, while pushing back against Chinese influence in the region. Rubio praised Costa Rica for barring Huawei from its 5G network due to cybersecurity concerns related to China. The US has long been a major donor of foreign aid, but Rubio stressed that aid is not charity and should be aligned with national interests. As the acting head of USAID, Rubio aims to streamline aid to benefit US allies and interests. Rubio’s visit to Guatemala also underscores US efforts to counter China’s influence in the region. The article highlights Rubio’s support for Trump’s foreign policy and efforts to strengthen alliances in Latin America.
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Rubio dismisses aid controversy | Global News
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