Rubio testifies to Congress: U.S. not withdrawing from the world

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday (May 20) that the United States is not retreating from the world stage, despite criticism over cuts to foreign aid and diplomatic spending. In his first testimony as Secretary of State, Rubio defended the Trump administration’s approach to global engagement, emphasizing a strategy focused on “smart” involvement aligned with U.S. interests. He highlighted recent travel to 18 countries as evidence of continued diplomatic activity and reaffirmed America’s role as a leading provider of humanitarian aid. The hearing also included pointed exchanges on issues ranging from immigration policy to U.S. relations with Russia and South Africa.