State Department Gutting Abandons US Principles of Democracy and Human Rights

April 22, 2025 - Earlier today Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced his plan to gut the State Department. While many details have yet to emerge, it is already clear that his plan targets longstanding US efforts to uphold the American values of democracy and human rights. These have been a pillar of American strength. 

Explaining some of his changes, Rubio claimed that "the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor became a platform for left-wing activists to wage vendettas against 'anti-woke' leaders in nations such as Poland, Hungary, and Brazil, and to transform their hatred of Israel into concrete policies such as arms embargoes."

Hadar Susskind, President and CEO of New Jewish Narrative, said:

“This statement is frightening. The Trump administration is once again embracing authoritarian leaders, sweeping their antidemocratic actions under the rug. Moreover, the Administration is wrongly dismissing legitimate criticisms of Israeli government actions as if they were motivated by some irrational hatred. 

"I called for America to condition military aid to Israel. And -- as the damage from the reckless military campaign in Gaza became clear -- I called for the American government to enforce our laws that forbid the transfer of weapons to countries that violate basic human rights norms. I did that as both an American patriot and an IDF veteran. 

"I fear for the future of both Israel and America now that President Trump is abandoning democracy and the protection of human life."