A new State Department style guide bans the term “racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism” (REMVE), raising concerns about the administration’s commitment to combating the far-right threat. Simultaneously, significant budget cuts are eliminating offices and personnel focused on countering violent extremism, including those specializing in white supremacist terrorism. This follows a pattern of resource redirection away from far-right threat mitigation across various agencies. Critics fear this prioritizes politically advantageous threats while downplaying the persistent danger of far-right extremism, both domestically and internationally.
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ProPublica’s investigation reveals that the U.S. State Department, under direction from Secretary Rubio, actively pressured four African nations—Gambia, Djibouti, Cameroon, and Lesotho—to expedite Starlink licensing. Diplomats leveraged potential aid cuts and other governmental pressures to influence these decisions, showcasing a close coordination between the State Department and Starlink. This campaign, framed as promoting U.S. interests and countering Chinese influence, involved direct lobbying by ambassadors and threats of funding reductions for non-compliance. The push for Starlink’s rapid expansion aims to secure a significant technological advantage over global competitors within the next 18 months.
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Two spreadsheets containing sensitive information on U.S. State Department and USAID programs were leaked online after being shared with Congress, despite assurances to recipient organizations that the data would remain confidential. This leak, following a separate incident involving the accidental real-time sharing of Yemen attack plans, jeopardizes the safety of individuals working in repressive regimes. The information exposed includes details of programs operating in countries like China, Russia, and Iran, potentially leading to the identification and endangerment of local activists and partners. The leak prompted frantic damage control efforts from affected organizations, highlighting the severe consequences of this reckless disregard for the safety of foreign collaborators.
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The State Department officially notified Congress of its plan to dissolve the USAID agency by July 1st, transferring some of its functions internally. This decision, which has faced legal challenges and internal resistance, is justified by the administration as enhancing efficiency and accountability in foreign aid. While some programs will continue under the State Department, thousands of USAID employees face job losses, and billions in aid contracts have been canceled. A federal appeals court has temporarily allowed the reorganization to proceed.
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A State Department document revealed a proposed $400 million contract with Tesla for armored electric vehicles, a significant discrepancy from the Biden administration’s planned $483,000 EV expenditure. While the State Department claims the $400 million figure was an early estimate and the contract is on hold, a former White House official suggests the action was intentional. This proposed purchase, potentially involving thousands of Cybertrucks, raised concerns among security experts due to the vehicle’s suitability for diplomatic security and the potential for compromised range and durability when armored. The discrepancy and subsequent cancellation of the plan followed public attention and criticism.
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The U.S. State Department revised its online statement on U.S.-Taiwan relations, removing the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence.” While a State Department spokesperson affirmed the U.S. maintains its longstanding policy toward Taiwan, guided by existing agreements, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung welcomed the change as reflecting the reality of U.S.-Taiwan relations. The revised statement also emphasizes peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences without coercion and clarifies the U.S.’s commitment to Taiwan’s security and the well-being of its people. The alterations follow previous revisions under the Biden administration, sparking speculation about the influence of Beijing’s concerns.
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The State Department has halted plans to purchase $400 million worth of armored electric vehicles, previously listed as Teslas, for the 2025 fiscal year. This decision follows public scrutiny of the contract, particularly given Elon Musk’s dual roles as Tesla CEO and a White House official focused on government efficiency. The initial contract stemmed from a Biden administration initiative seeking private sector involvement in armored electric vehicle production, with Tesla being the sole respondent. The department will now initiate a broader solicitation process for vehicle manufacturers.
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A newly revealed report exposes Darren Beattie, acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs at the State Department, as having repeatedly advocated for the sterilization of those he deems “low-IQ.” Beattie, a former Trump speechwriter fired for attending a white nationalist conference, has made numerous social media posts expressing such views and suggesting incentives for higher-IQ individuals to have more children. These comments directly contradict Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s past condemnation of similar population control policies and his recent assertion of equality for all. The State Department has yet to comment on the matter.
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John Q. Hosedrinker