Marco Rubio Takes on Dual Roles in Trump’s Administration: Acting Director of USAID and U.S. Archives

Marco Rubio Takes on Dual Roles in Trump’s Administration

In a significant shift within the Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently been appointed as the acting director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Just days later, reports emerged indicating that Rubio is also stepping into the role of acting director of the U.S. National Archives. According to ABC News, this information comes from a high-level official in the administration. Efforts to reach the State Department for additional comments went unanswered.

Transitioning Leadership Amid Controversy

Last month, President Trump hinted at replacing former national archivist Colleen Shogan, who was appointed under President Biden. This announcement coincided with ongoing scrutiny surrounding classified documents allegedly taken by Trump to his Mar-a-Lago estate after his presidency ended, leading to an FBI investigation and subsequent indictment by former Special Counsel Jack Smith.

Rubio’s Appointment and Administration Actions

The source reported that Rubio has essentially been functioning as the acting archivist since shortly after Trump’s inauguration. His involvement in the National Archives marks a pivotal moment in aligning administration strategies with Republican objectives.

International Engagement in Central America

This week marks another milestone for Rubio as he embarks on his first official trip to Central America as Secretary of State. Notably, during this journey, Rubio successfully persuaded the Panamanian president to terminate their Belt and Road project partnership with China. This maneuver aligns with Trump’s previous assertions that the United States might need to exert economic or military pressure to secure control over the strategically vital Panama Canal.

Reassessing Foreign Aid Policies

The Trump administration has undertaken a thorough review of foreign aid programs, temporarily suspending some initiatives to assess how U.S. taxpayer funds are utilized globally. This policy shift has resulted in numerous layoffs and the discontinuation of various programs. In Guatemala City, Rubio addressed reporters, explaining that specific waivers have been issued for programs aimed at enhancing biometric data collection. These initiatives are designed to better identify fugitives and improve technology and K-9 units to combat drug trafficking, particularly concerning fentanyl.

Alignment with National Interests

“This is an example of foreign aid that’s in our national interest,