In a significant move aimed at consolidating his administration’s foreign policy agenda, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday that emphasizes a cohesive and “unified” approach to American diplomacy under the umbrella of his “America First” principles.

Clarifying Responsibilities of the State Department

This executive order reiterates the key role of the State Department in executing the administration’s foreign policy priorities. According to a White House fact sheet, the order explicitly states that the State Department must ensure that its officers and employees are fully aligned with the President’s directives.

The White House underscored that the order will allow for “proper channels” that require State Department personnel to diligently implement the authored policies of the Trump administration.

Responsibilities of Secretary of State Marco Rubio

One of the primary directives issued in the executive order is the instruction for Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reform recruitment and evaluation processes within the State Department. The goal is to ensure that the agency attracts and retains the most qualified individuals who can accurately represent the U.S. abroad.

Furthermore, Rubio has the authority to update the Foreign Affairs Manual as well as other procedural documents relevant to the foreign service, providing him with expansive oversight to enhance effectiveness within the department.

Commitment to American Interests

The White House highlighted Trump’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of U.S. foreign policy by prioritizing American interests. The fact sheet states, “No longer will America be taken advantage of by foreign nations or by rogue actors who undermine our sovereignty or security.”

This executive order builds upon the “America First” policy established shortly after Trump’s inauguration, which pledges that U.S. foreign policy would reflect core American interests in international affairs.

Potential Shifts in U.S. Foreign Assistance

As part of his broader foreign policy vision, Trump has proposed substantial changes to foreign aid, including a plan to shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This agency has traditionally played a pivotal role in delivering assistance to developing nations. During a recent statement, Rubio, who serves as the acting director of the agency, criticized the organization’s effectiveness, claiming it was “not functioning” as a proper tool of U.S. foreign policy.

Rubio stressed the need for USAID to align with U.S. national interests, emphasizing that taxpayer dollars should not be utilized for what he described as “global charity.” He stated, “What are they doing with the money? We owe the taxpayers assurances that it furthers our national interest.”

New Approaches to Gaza

On another front, Trump recently proposed plans to establish a “long-term ownership position” over the Gaza Strip, suggesting that such a measure could deliver increased stability to the region. This statement was made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The proposal was met with immediate backlash from various Arab nations, with Jordan and Egypt expressing significant concern over the implications of resettling Palestinians. In a recent development, Egypt announced plans for an emergency Arab Summit to address what they characterized as “new and dangerous developments” regarding the future of Palestinians.

Engagement with Middle Eastern Leaders

In an effort to navigate this complex geopolitical situation, Trump met with King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss potential next steps. The Jordanian monarch expressed a desire to wait for the Egyptian government to take the lead on any proposals regarding Gaza, signaling the importance of a unified Arab position on the matter.

However, Abdullah did reveal that Jordan is prepared to accept 2,000 sick Palestinian children as part of a humanitarian initiative, pointing towards an engagement strategy focused on alleviating immediate humanitarian needs amid broader political tensions.

“I think let’s wait until the Egyptians can come and present it to the president and not get ahead of us,” Abdullah stated, highlighting the delicate diplomacy surrounding the ongoing discussions related to the Gaza situation.