Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed US diplomats not to comment on elections in other countries in exchange for a more strategic foreign policy.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a directive banning diplomats from commenting on the fairness or integrity of elections in other countries. The decision marks a significant shift in US foreign policy, which has traditionally promoted free elections and human rights. Election-related messages must be endorsed by senior leadership and focus on congratulating the winner without challenging the legitimacy of the electoral process. This approach reflects a broader trend of the Trump administration to distance itself from democracy promotion in favor of strategic partnerships.