Rubio Off To Central America

February 1, 2025 10:17 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks this weekend on his first foreign trip in office. He’s heading to Central America to press President Donald Trump’s top priority — curbing illegal immigration — and bring the message that the U.S. wants to reclaim control over the Panama Canal despite intense resistance from regional leaders. It’s an unusual destination for the maiden voyage of America’s top diplomat and reflects not only Rubio’s personal interest in the region but also the Trump administration’s intent to focus much of its foreign policy energy close to home. Limiting immigration and fighting narcotics smuggling are major elements of that effort, but another priority will be curbing China’s growing influence in the Western Hemisphere