U.S. Department of State :The Week at State: June 19 - June 25, 2026

 

June 19 - June 25 America’s 250th birthday is almost here. President Trump has marked the occasion by opening the Great American State Fair this week.  Here’s what happened at State this week.  The Trump Administration mobilized immediate, life-saving resources as part of a rapid, government-wide response to the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.  Secretary Rubio visited the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.   President Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington. State Department Responds to Venezuela Earthquakes Secretary Marco Rubio meets with the press in Manama, Bahrain, June 25, 2026. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett) The United States is mounting an immediate response and mobilizing support for affected communities. The Department of State, under Secretary Rubio, is deploying a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), as well as urban search-and-rescue teams, to assess needs and provide search and recovery assistance. In addition, the Department is collaborating with other U.S. departments, UN agencies, NGOs, and host governments to deliver search-and-rescue support, as well as other supplies.  Secretary Rubio provided an initial update to the media on June 25. “I had an opportunity to talk earlier this morning with Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president. We’re already deploying search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles.” The Secretary noted in the briefing that “the United States has always responded to humanitarian crises, especially in our own hemisphere. That’s what we’re focused on now.” Americans in Venezuela who need emergency consular assistance can contact us at 1-202-501-4444.  Secretary Rubio Visits the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain Secretary Rubio participates in a flag-raising ceremony at Embassy Kuwait City in Kuwait, June 24, 2026. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett) Secretary Rubio visited the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait this week, where the embassy in Kuwait City resumed operations on June 24. He underscored the necessity of full and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region.   Speaking to members of the media in the UAE, Secretary Rubio said, “We have longstanding relationships and partnerships with the three countries I’m visiting.” The Secretary continued, “... All of our allies are on board with peace. Obviously, it all depends on the details of that peace as we work through, but it’s a work in progress. This is an issue that’s been going on for 47 years. So the idea that somehow it’s going to get solved in a day and a half, I don’t think anyone’s been selling that. I think there’s a framework and an outline upon which we can make real progress.”   In a press briefing in Bahrain, the Secretary also noted the regional impact of Iran’s proxies. He said, “You’re not going to have peace and stability in this region as long as there are non-state actors operating within the boundaries and borders of sovereign countries and being funded by Iran.”  President Trump Hosts NATO Secretary General President Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Rutte at the White House on June 24, 2026. (© NATO) President Trump held a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on June 24.   The Secretary General illustrated the impact of the Trump Administration on allied defense spending, referring to the “Trump Trillion.”  During the meeting, the Secretary General presented a series of charts that showed how President Trump has influenced NATO countries to increase their defense spending, with results for U.S. jobs and companies.  News You May Have Missed We announced visa cancellations for foreign fraudsters who have exploited Americans.  Secretary Rubio congratulated Colombia’s President-Elect Abelardo De La Espriella, anticipating collaboration to enhance regional security cooperation, end illegal immigration to the United States, and deepen economic ties.  Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg questioned the logic of national AI strategies on our Substack, and called for cooperation at this week’s Summit for Pax Silica.  Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau called for joint action against transnational gangs at the 56th OAS General Assembly. Note to Our Readers  We welcome feedback at EmailTeam@state.gov  Was this forwarded to you? Subscribe to The Week at State for weekly updates on important work, activities, and news straight from the State Department. Useful links Travel advisories and updates for U.S. Citizens Did you know that you can invite a State Department official to speak at your school, business, or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives.  Read More at State.gov

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