Until recently, Marco Rubio was known for his strong stance against foreign influence campaigns. In 2023, according to a second diplomatic source with direct knowledge, he supported extending funding for the Global Engagement Center (GEC) into the 2030s. He noted that countries such as Russia, Iran, China, North Korea, and Cuba were actively disseminating disinformation in the United States, as he stated in a social media post last September. Upon becoming secretary of state, Rubio’s approach shifted. He indicated in a cable that while the department would continue to combat “enemy propaganda,” any State Department programs that might lead to censorship of American citizens would be terminated.
A spokesman for the State Department informed WIRED that Rubio believed shutting down the GEC had been much needed. The spokesperson highlighted that the $50 million annual budget was allegedly misused by the Biden administration to suppress free speech. Originally, the GEC was established to counter terrorist organizations but had been exploited to target free speech, as per the spokesperson. Career employees acknowledged that the GEC’s mission had been problematic, and Rubio ensured it will not be a concern for American citizens anymore, as the center has been permanently closed.
For the first 60 days, the renamed and downsized Global Engagement Center avoided the substantial reductions that affected the US Agency for International Development and other similar initiatives. However, it was recognized by employees as a temporary reprieve. In a Federalist op-ed, Rubio stated that the GEC, regardless of its name, was effectively terminated and would not return.
In a livestreamed discussion with former State Department official Mike Benz, Rubio mentioned that stories about the GEC would continue. Benz, known for his opposition to foreign-assistance and counter-disinformation efforts as well as for promoting various conspiracy theories, asked Rubio about a possible continuation similar to the Twitter Files, but for the GEC. Rubio affirmed that documenting the events was important and mentioned that Darren Beattie would be involved in the process.
The secretary of state also outlined plans for a comprehensive “cross-jurisdictional” initiative to examine those who were “deplatformed” due to disinformation or foreign propaganda. Rubio emphasized the importance of linking State Department-funded information to affected individuals through an internal review.
