In his first trip abroad as U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio faced unexpected challenges that overshadowed his intended focus on immigration, counternarcotics, and countering Chinese influence in Central America. Despite successfully securing agreements on migrant deportations and influencing a country to exit China’s Belt and Road initiative, Rubio found himself dealing with significant distractions.

The dismantlement of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Trump’s surprising proposal for a U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip dominated Rubio’s engagements. The unraveling of USAID led to layoffs and the shutdown of missions, with Rubio facing criticisms but emphasizing the need for cooperation. Regarding Trump’s Gaza proposal, Rubio sought to downplay it as a temporary solution that deserved consideration.

During his visit to Panama, Rubio raised concerns about Chinese influence around the Panama Canal, emphasizing national security threats. Despite uncertainty surrounding agreements on canal transit fees for American naval vessels, Rubio’s successes in reaching deportation agreements with countries like El Salvador and Guatemala were seen as laying the groundwork for Trump’s deportation plans.

Overall, Rubio’s trip was marked by a mix of achievements and challenges, showcasing his diplomatic efforts in Central America amidst evolving foreign policy dynamics. The trip highlighted the complexities of U.S. engagement in the region and the ongoing efforts to address key issues such as immigration and national security.