U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed American diplomats around the world to refrain from commenting on the fairness or legitimacy of elections in foreign countries, signaling a sharp shift from the United States’ traditional stance on promoting democracy abroad.
According to an internal State Department cable dated July 17 and obtained by Reuters, Rubio directed that U.S. embassies and consulates no longer issue election-related statements—publicly or on social media—unless there is a “clear and compelling” foreign policy reason to do so.
“When it is appropriate to comment on a foreign election, our message should be brief, focused on congratulating the winning candidate and, when appropriate, noting shared foreign policy interests,” the cable reads. It was marked “sensitive” but not classified.
The directive also stressed that diplomats should avoid discussing the integrity or democratic legitimacy of any electoral process. Statements on foreign elections are now restricted to the Secretary of State or the department spokesperson, and local embassy staff are barred from issuing such remarks without top-level approval.
The memo cited President Donald Trump’s May 13 speech in Riyadh, where he condemned “Western interventionists” and stated that the U.S. would no longer lecture other nations on how to govern. Instead, Trump emphasized building partnerships based on mutual strategic interests.
“While the United States will hold firm to its own democratic values and celebrate those values when other countries choose a similar path, the President made clear that the United States will pursue partnerships with countries wherever our strategic interests align,” the cable stated.
The State Department has not commented publicly on the internal guidance, first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
This move represents a broader shift under the Trump administration away from traditional U.S. foreign policy objectives like promoting human rights, press freedom, and democratic governance. The administration has already overhauled the State Department’s human rights bureau, arguing it had become politicized and too aligned with left-wing causes.
Trump officials have also taken an active role in criticizing what they view as suppression of right-wing political movements in Europe—calling out actions in countries like Germany, France, and Romania. They’ve accused European governments of using misinformation laws to silence conservative voices, particularly those critical of immigration.
The new policy under Rubio appears to formalize that approach, marking a significant departure from decades of U.S. diplomatic practice.
