United News of Bangladesh

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is heading to Europe on Thursday on a mission to reassure nervous US allies as uncertainty grows over Washington’s NATO policy, troop levels, and shifting positions on European defence. Rubio will attend a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Sweden on Friday, while senior Pentagon officials are expected to brief the 32-member alliance in Brussels on US military commitments in Europe. The meetings come ahead of a NATO leaders’ summit in Turkey in July. The diplomatic push comes at a time of growing global uncertainty, including the ongoing Iran war and stalled efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Tensions have also risen in Europe over US President Donald Trump’s criticism of NATO allies and his interest in Greenland, a territory of NATO member Denmark. Rubio has frequently been deployed by the Trump administration to ease concerns at international meetings, including earlier visits to the Munich Security Conference and Italy. Confusion over US troop levels in Europe Before leaving for Sweden, Rubio declined to clarify possible changes to US troop deployments in Europe, including under NATO’s defence planning framework. Recent moves by the Trump administration have added to confusion. Plans to send thousands of US troops to Poland and Germany were paused or canceled, but Trump later announced on social media that 5,000 additional troops would be sent to Poland. It remains unclear whether this means a resumption of previously halted deployments, an expansion of forces, or a broader reshaping of US troop levels across Europe. The Pentagon referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond. Rubio, however, acknowledged frustration within the administration over NATO’s role, particularly in relation to the Iran conflict. He said President Trump and other officials were “very disappointed” with the alliance. While reaffirming that he supports NATO, Rubio questioned whether all members are contributing equally, citing disagreements over the Iran war response and access to US military facilities. He criticised some allies, including Spain, for not allowing access to bases linked to US operations and said there had been limited European participation in efforts to secure key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. “I know why NATO is good for Europe, but why is NATO good for America?” Rubio said, arguing that US bases abroad allow global military reach. NATO defends planned adjustments NATO officials have said changes in US troop levels were long planned and do not signal a sudden withdrawal. However, some allies say they were caught off guard by recent announcements. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said allies were informed a year ago that the US would gradually reduce some forces in Europe, and that European countries and Canada must take greater responsibility for the continent’s defence. He said the US will remain committed to NATO but is expected to shift more focus to other global priorities over time. US General Alexus Grynkewich said security in Europe would remain stable but warned allies should expect continued adjustments in US troop levels in the coming years. The Trump administration has repeatedly said European countries must take greater responsibility for their own security, including support for Ukraine, as Washington reassesses its global military commitments.

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, is set to travel this week to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden as European allies express growing concern over US troop levels in Europe and President Donald Trump’s shifting positions on the alliance, especially as the impact of the Iran war and rising energy prices continues to be felt. The US State Department said on Tuesday that Rubio will attend the NATO gathering in Helsingborg on Friday. The meeting comes ahead of a major NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, scheduled for July. After Sweden, Rubio will travel to India for a multi-city visit covering Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi. He is expected to meet Indian officials and also join discussions with counterparts from Australia and Japan under the Indo-Pacific “Quad” grouping. In Sweden, Rubio is expected to repeat US calls for NATO members to increase defense spending and share more of the alliance’s security burden, according to the State Department. He will also take part in discussions on Arctic security and economic interests with NATO’s northern members. Although Greenland was not mentioned in the statement, tensions over the Danish territory have added to European unease. Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken about US interest in Greenland, which has drawn criticism in Europe. Trump’s special envoy for Greenland recently visited the island. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said after meeting the envoy that the territory’s people are not for sale and that self-determination is non-negotiable. Rubio’s presence at NATO meetings has often been welcomed by European allies, who see him as more steady compared to other US officials. He has also attended recent diplomatic missions, including the Munich Security Conference and meetings in Italy. Ahead of the NATO talks, NATO’s top military officer said he does not expect further major reductions of US troops in Europe for now beyond an earlier announced cut of about 5,000 personnel. US Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich said the situation remains stable following Trump’s announcement earlier this month. The Pentagon later clarified that some planned troop deployments to Poland and Germany were being delayed rather than fully cancelled. Vice President JD Vance said the move should not be seen as a reduction, but part of normal rotation adjustments, adding that the focus is on strengthening European responsibility for its own defense. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also described the change as a temporary delay, saying decisions on troop placement across Europe are still being reviewed. Trump’s announcement had surprised NATO allies, coming amid earlier commitments by Washington to coordinate closely on security matters and avoid gaps in defense coverage. Tensions were further heightened after Trump criticized Germany following comments by Chancellor Friedrich Merz over US policy on the Iran war.

The US State Department on Wednesday announced it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are considered likely to depend on public assistance while living in the United States. The department, headed by Secretary Marco Rubio, said consular officers have been instructed to halt immigrant visa applications from the affected countries under a broader order issued in November that tightened rules for prospective immigrants who may become “public charges” in the US. The suspension will take effect from January 21 and will not apply to non-immigrant visas, including temporary tourist or business visas. “The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” the State Department said in a statement. “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.” The list of affected countries includes Russia, Iran and Afghanistan, along with several nations in Africa, according to the department. The Trump administration has already imposed strict restrictions on immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing for citizens of dozens of countries, many of them in Africa.

US Secretary of State Rubio  spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday and exchanged perspectives on regional developments. They reaffirmed the United States’ and India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, said Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott. They exchanged best wishes for the New Year. The US Secretary of State congratulated India on enacting the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill. He expressed interest in capitalizing on this important development to enhance U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation, expand opportunities for American companies, advance shared energy security goals, and secure critical mineral supply chains. Venezuela puts Rubio at the center of Trump’s foreign policy playbook Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar discussed ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations and their shared interest in strengthening economic cooperation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on January 21 in Washington, D.C. Rubio and Jaishankar affirmed a shared commitment to continuing to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India, said Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. They discussed a wide range of topics, including regional issues and opportunities to further deepen the U.S.-India relationship, in particular on critical and emerging technologies, defense cooperation, energy, and on advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Rubio also emphasised the Trump administration’s desire to work with India to advance economic ties and address concerns related to irregular migration.

The Senate has confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state, marking President Donald Trump's first Cabinet appointment on Inauguration Day, reports AP. On Monday, the Senate unanimously approved Rubio’s nomination with a decisive 99-0 vote. A Republican senator from Florida, Rubio is considered one of Trump’s least contentious choices. Another nominee, John Ratcliffe, for CIA director, is expected to face a swift vote as early as Tuesday, while votes on other nominees, including Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, may occur later in the week. Trump pauses US TikTok ban with executive order “Marco Rubio is a very intelligent man with a remarkable understanding of American foreign policy,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the Senate’s senior Republican, as proceedings began. It is traditional for the Senate to convene shortly after a presidential inauguration to confirm key national security appointments. During Trump’s first term, defense and homeland security secretaries were confirmed on day one, and President Joe Biden’s director of national intelligence was similarly confirmed on his inauguration day. With Trump returning to the White House and Republicans holding a congressional majority, his Cabinet nominees are progressing despite initial bipartisan skepticism. Trump suspends US foreign aid for 90 days After his confirmation, Rubio expressed gratitude and readiness. “It’s an important job in an important time, and I’m honoured by it,” he said, surrounded by colleagues in the Senate chamber. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced plans to expedite votes on Trump’s Cabinet picks, stating that voting would begin “imminently.” Democrats, while opposing some of Trump’s more controversial nominees, have opted to support qualified candidates like Rubio. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer remarked that Democrats would not “rubber-stamp” unqualified nominees but would support those deserving of serious consideration, citing Rubio as one such example. Rubio’s nomination was unanimously advanced by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee late Monday, while other committees approved nominees like Hegseth, Ratcliffe, Kristi Noem for homeland security secretary, and Russell Vought for director of the Office of Management and Budget, though some faced opposition. Rubio, a seasoned senator and former Trump rival in the 2016 presidential race, has cultivated a closer relationship with Trump in recent years. As secretary of state, he becomes the first Latino to hold the position, taking over from outgoing Secretary Antony Blinken. Born in Miami to Cuban immigrants, Rubio has a strong background in foreign affairs, particularly in South America, and is known for his firm stance on China. During his confirmation hearing, Rubio highlighted concerns over the U.S.’s “unbalanced relationship” with China. While aligned with Trump’s anti-globalist rhetoric, Rubio also recognises the importance of U.S. engagement on the global stage, earning him bipartisan support. Asian shares show mixed performance following Trump inauguration The Senate’s 53-47 split, which is temporarily reduced due to recent resignations, necessitates near-unanimous Republican support to advance nominees. Procedural delays are expected with some, including Hegseth, potentially extending votes into later in the week.