On behalf of the United States of America, I extend our sincere congratulations to the people of the Cook Islands on the 60th anniversary of self-governance.
The United States values its enduring partnership with the Cook Islands and celebrates the continued growth of our relationship. Over the past year, we are proud to have served as a Pacific Islands Forum Dialogue partner, supported fisheries, and pursued joint efforts toward peace and stability.
We look forward to advancing our maritime cooperation and working together on the responsible use and development of ocean resources, which hold great potential for long-term growth and regional prosperity.
As you mark this important milestone, the United States remains committed to supporting our shared goals in the years ahead. I wish the people of the Cook Islands a joyful and memorable national celebration.
Secretary Rubio’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Lammy
Readout
August 4, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The Secretary and Foreign Secretary Lammy discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and efforts to reach a ceasefire – despite Hamas’s obstructionism – and bring the hostages home. On the Russia-Ukraine war, both the Secretary and Foreign Secretary agreed the war must be brought to an end. Both the Secretary and Foreign Secretary reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon. They also discussed the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Secretary Rubio’s Call with UK Foreign Secretary Lammy
Readout
August 4, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The Secretary and Foreign Secretary Lammy discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and efforts to reach a ceasefire – despite Hamas’s obstructionism – and bring the hostages home. On the Russia-Ukraine war, both the Secretary and Foreign Secretary agreed the war must be brought to an end. Both the Secretary and Foreign Secretary reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon. They also discussed the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Barrot
Readout
August 4, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon. They also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and efforts to reach a ceasefire, ending the Russia-Ukraine war, securing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Secretary Rubio’s Call with French Foreign Minister Barrot
Readout
August 4, 2025
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The Secretary and Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon. They also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and efforts to reach a ceasefire, ending the Russia-Ukraine war, securing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
***THE DAILY PUBLIC SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
Secretary Rubio attends meetings and briefings at the White House.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU
Deputy Secretary Landau attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS
Deputy Secretary Rigas attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.
UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS ALLISON M. HOOKER
1:00 p.m. Under Secretary Hooker meets with Omani Ambassador to the United States Talal bin Sulaiman Al Rahbi at the Department of State. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR GLOBAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS MICHELE EXNER
Assistant Secretary Exner is on travel to Belgium and the United Kingdom from August 4-7, 2025.
BRIEFING SCHEDULE
2:00 p.m. Department Press Briefing with Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE)
HomeOffice of the SpokespersonPress Releases…Joint Statement on the First High-Level Trilateral Coordination Meeting and the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
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Joint Statement on the First High-Level Trilateral Coordination Meeting and the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Media Note
August 5, 2025
The text of the following joint statement was released by the Governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America
Begin Text:
In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America convened the first High-Level Trilateral Coordination Meeting, with the participation of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Dr. Juan Ramón de la Fuente; the Government of Mexico’s Representative for the FIFA World Cup, Ms. Gabriela Cuevas; the Executive Director of the White House Taskforce for the FIFA World Cup, Mr. Andrew Giuliani; Mr. Paul Watzlavick, Senior Official of the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department of State; Mr. Michael Jensen, Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. National Security Council; His Excellency Cameron MacKay, Ambassador of Canada to Mexico; Mr. Roberto Velasco, Head of the Mexican Foreign Ministry’s North America Unit; and Mr. Alfonso Zegbe, Head of the Mexican Foreign Ministry’s Interagency Coordination and Public Diplomacy Unit.
Working jointly, the three countries reaffirmed that the 2026 World Cup is a historic event that will unite our nations and showcase the best of North America to the world, while being an opportunity to strengthen our solid and vastly dynamic regional partnership.
Within this framework, we convened a U.S.-facilitated three-day Subject Matter Expert Exchange to foster collaboration among government officials, industry leaders, and security professionals to discuss joint efforts in countering UAS threats to the World Cup. Through these last three days, experts from the partner nations shared relevant best practices, fostering a productive exchange that advanced our collective efforts to ensure a secure World Cup.
As part of this trilateral effort, we are committed to strengthening public-private coordination and addressing policy and technology gaps that may impact our ability to respond effectively to our joint challenges. An Industry Roundtable featured participation from leading companies from Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America. This session provided a valuable platform for dialogue and innovation, enabling us to identify lessons learned, explore cutting-edge solutions, and enhance our preparedness to confront evolving threats. The collaboration over these three days is the first of a series of events that reflect our shared commitment to regional security and developing strategies to use and mitigate threats posed by emerging technologies.
Trilateral coordination initiatives like this are part of the broader effort to ensure a safe and successful 2026 World Cup. By working hand-in-hand through close coordination, information sharing, and joint planning, Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America are committed to ensuring that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not only a celebration of sport but also a testament to the strength of our partnership and shared values.
MS BRUCE: Thank you, ma’am. Thank you. Hi, everybody. I know it was – oh, good, we’re still getting some seats here. We’re good? Welcome aboard everybody. Thank you very much for being here. Nice and air conditioned – not like outside.
So I do have a few announcements, of course, as you might imagine, and then we will – the imperial “we” – we’ll take your questions. Thank you all for being here. I do appreciate it.
Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio, the United States continues to pursue a clear-eyed foreign policy that prioritizes the safety, prosperity, and global standing of the American people. Last week, the department welcomed delegations from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to Washington to support implementation of the June 27th peace agreement. Led by Senior Advisor Boulos, these discussions focused on regional security, cooperation, and economic development – critical pillars for achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region.
And today, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden announced they would fund an additional $500 million package of U.S.-made equipment for Ukraine. In addition, yesterday, the Netherlands announced it will fund the first package of U.S.-made weapons and munitions, including Patriot missiles, worth over $500 million. Together, these deliveries total over 1 billion of lifesaving, top-of-the-line American equipment that, as noted by Ambassador Whitaker, will allow Ukraine to, quote, “protect critical infrastructure and civilian lives while also staying in the fight until a lasting ceasefire happens.” These commitments deliver on President Trump’s initiative to facilitate billions of dollars in investment to the United States defense industry and create American jobs while ensuring Europe can ultimately defend itself long term.
Additionally today, the State Department published a temporary final rule in the Federal Register. I know that sounds kind of bureaucratic-like for everyone watching at home. This is to implement a visa bond pilot program under the Immigration and Nationality Act consistent with Executive Order 14159. Beginning August 20th, nationals of Malawi and Zambia applying for B1, B2 business and tourist visas will be required to post a bond of up to $15,000. This targeted, common-sense measure reinforces the administration’s commitment to U.S. immigration law while deterring visa overstays.
Now, turning to our disaster response for the Philippines, with $250,000 in funding from the Department of State, the World Food Program is transporting family food packs to flood-affected people across Central and Northern Luzon with nearly 14,000 delivered to date. The department is providing an additional $250,000 to provide emergency shelter assistance to meet the needs of over 15,000 disaster-affected individuals.
Finally, President Trump is signing an executive order today establishing a White House task force on the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. With Los Angeles set to host the world, the task force will coordinate across federal, state, and local agencies to ensure streamlined visa processes, robust security, and efficient transportation. This action highlights America’s enduring role as a global leader and premier destination for international engagement, tourism, and sports diplomacy.
All right. So a bunch of stuff there. I am looking forward now to taking your questions. And we’ll start here. Yes, ma’am.
QUESTION: Thank you.
MS BRUCE: Nice to see you up here as opposed to further back. Welcome aboard.
QUESTION: Very revolutionary for us foreign journalists.
MS BRUCE: And let me – before you begin, I do want to announce everyone who is in the front row today. As we know, we have guests as well as regular attendees here in the room for our front row. First, we have Mal McIver-Sheridan with Kyodo. We have Serra Karaçam with Halk TV, Türkiye; Shawn Fleetwood with The Federalist; Adam Kredo with the Washington Free Beacon. I know your avatar on social media. Now, everyone is going to be able to see your face. John Lyons, or – is it John or Kamin?
QUESTION: Kamin.
MS BRUCE: Kamin. Kamin, welcome aboard. Kamin Gock with ABC Australia. And Jacob with The Times of Isreal. Welcome aboard. Nice to see you again. Saw you this morning.
All right, everyone. So now again, Serra, let’s start with you.
QUESTION: Thank you very much. I want to start with Syria. SDF military leader Mazloum Abdi recently stated that Syria should adopt a decentralized structure where all groups have the right to self-governance. He added that a centralized system has already failed. He also said that during his meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy Thomas Barrack that Mr. Barrack came to understand that Syria cannot be governed from a single center.
Given that, and considering Türkiye’s strong opposition to any form of Kurdish autonomy in the northeast due to SDF’s ties to PKK – an organization that is reportedly now engaged in a disarmament or integration process in Türkiye, albeit with no formal outcome yet – does the U.S. support SDF’s apparent push to establish a parallel or federal governing structure rather than reintegrating into the central Syrian regime? Has the U.S. position on Syria’s territorial integrity shifted or softened in any way?
MS BRUCE: So in general about Syria, I think this is important. What – first thing I want to do is read a tweet from Ambassador Barrack, our ambassador to Türkiye as well as, of course, our Special Envoy there in the Middle East as well – Syria and Lebanon. He tweeted: “Disturbing violence erupted yesterday” – this was on October – on August 4th, I should say – “in Suwayda, and in Manbij.
Diplomacy is the best way to stop violence and build a peaceful, lasting solution. is proud to have helped mediate a solution in Suwayda and to be co-mediating with the reintegration of the northeast into a unified Syria. The path ahead belongs to Syrians – urging all sides to uphold calm and resolve differences through dialogue, not bloodshed. Syria deserves stability. Syrians deserve peace.”
When it comes to – I guess you’re asking about Türkiye and the —
QUESTION: A single central governance – did you change your stance on that?
MS BRUCE: Well, no. We – first of all, Ambassador Barrack continues to engage all parties to ensure security and calm for all Syrians. But we are continuing to support dialogue with the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces aimed at integrating the SDF into the Syrian military. Of course, we welcome all productive meetings between the SDF and President al-Sharaa. We also support the SDF’s intent to transform the current ceasefire in northeast Syria into a comprehensive and lasting peace. And of course, it will be up to Syria and the new government to move the country toward peace and prosperity.
I can say that when we look at the notion of a comprehensive, inclusive government, of course that is the way that it has to work. And I think as we’ve talked before about places that have been unstable, that’s been the point, is that we’re working for stability, and I think our position previously still stands certainly, and we continue with democracy being vitally important as well as diplomacy when it comes to the nature of how we solve the problems there.
QUESTION: A short follow-up, please. Is the U.S. following Türkiye’s newly formed parliamentary commission that is reportedly working to end PKK’s armed campaign potentially through reforms and in counterterrorism criminal legislation change for a peaceful transition? If so, how might that effort affect your approach to northern Syria and your ongoing partnerships on the ground?
MS BRUCE: Right. Well, first of all, we won’t comment on actions that governments are taking internally when it comes to legislation or moves that they seek to make. Nor will I discuss the impact on what our negotiations might be or our relationship with other governments that are affected by something like that.
At the same time, I’ll take that back to a degree to see if there has been any remarks or elements that might be helpful. And again, for those watching at home, when we say we’re going to take back a question, it means that we’re going to get an answer to that question in some form and get it back directly to the reporter as well. So I think we’ve got a good track record in that regard.
All right, yes. Leon.
QUESTION: Yes, hi. Thanks, Tammy. I’d like you to speak a little bit about Gaza. The Israeli prime minister is – had a cabinet meeting earlier. They’re settling on a new plan for Gaza, which, according to certain reports, would mean reoccupying all of Gaza. What is the State Department’s position on that? Would you support an occupation of all of Gaza?
MS BRUCE: Well, of course, you know what we’re focused on still: getting the hostages out, after what we saw with videos over the last couple of days. It is a reminder to people about the evil that has been running this terror operation in Gaza via, of course, through Hamas. What I can tell you is that we would refer you in that instance, regarding Israel’s plans, to the Government of Israel. And regarding that reporting, again, reporting is one thing; real plans might be another. We are not in the business of interpreting statements from foreign governments when and if they’re made. We do remain focused on freeing the hostages, including the remains of two Americans and ensuring that Hamas never rules Gaza again.
All right. Yes, sir, from Australia.
QUESTION: Thank you, Tammy. For a country like Australia, even though we have a free trade agreement, we’re now being hit with tariffs. The U.S. is reviewing the AUKUS submarine agreement, and it seems our prime minister can’t even get a meeting with your president. What does this say about the way the United States now views some of its relationships with its traditional allies?
MS BRUCE: Well, I don’t speak for President Trump, right. He’s made clear his intentions and his efforts around the world. Here at the State Department, of course, we speak for the view and approach of Secretary Rubio. What I can say, though, is what President Trump has said publicly, which is that in the beginning of the tariff framework, it was to even the playing field; and then, yes, move into negotiations with countries around the world. So for more details about the timing and plans and conversations, I’d refer you to the White House.
What I do know, of course, is that we enjoy a terrific relationship with Australia. We always have, and I think we expect to have that continue. I can say that our alliance has never been stronger or more important. We share the same values, beliefs, and goals. We have fought, of course, side by side in battles over the last 100 years.
But I think that for President Trump’s approach and attitude, it really is about America being as strong as she could be, which matters to the rest of the world and informs all the rest of our alliances and partnerships; for our nation to be as strong and as secure as we can be. Certainly Australia and all of our partners around the world recognize this.
It’s been, I think, a very long time, which is why many people have been surprised that we’re going to have conversations like this. We’ve seen his success, the money that has come into America as a tremendous supplier and supplier of goods around the world. So I think that that’s what we can expect for Australia, as we do a number of other countries of which will have the pleasure of being able to speak with the President and make their own arrangements as well in that regard.
All right. Thank you, sir. All right. Yes, sir?
QUESTION: Thank you, Ms. Bruce. So in recent weeks we’ve seen the release of previously classified documents showing that then-President Obama and his intel chiefs weaponized a 2017 intel community assessment to push the lie that Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. And this ICA – showed at the behest of Obama’s intel chiefs – included weak and misinterpreted intel to push the notion that Russia wanted Trump to win the election. Meanwhile, the ICA did not include evidence showing the opposite. Many media and the Democrats have since clung to the Senate Intel Committee report and then-Senator Rubio’s work in drafting that report that said the ICA was fine and that they agreed with Obama’s intel chiefs that Russia intervened to help Trump.
So my question is: Does Secretary Rubio agree with the media and other Democrats that there was nothing improper about the creation of the ICA? Or do the recent documents that have been released change his views about the assessment?
MS BRUCE: Well, I put out a statement myself responding to this when it first came up, and I’ve found that for you. But I would say that this, in some ways, explains, of course, the vehemence of the effort to try to keep President Trump from winning the last election because of the nature now of what investigations are occurring or may occur. And for – this is what the American people voted for. We saw a great deal going on that was improper, and so we look forward, of course, to what these investigations reveal.
Regarding Secretary Rubio as then-Senator Rubio, my statement was this – oh gosh, I think maybe over a week ago – if the legacy media were at all curious about the facts of the matter they would have found from then-Senator Rubio’s own statement from 2020 concurrence with DNI Gabbard’s consequential findings. Then-Senator Rubio determined that the use of the Steele dossier was quote, “very troubling.” But even more so, he was alarmed by the behavior and the actions of the FBI in pursuit of what has now been confirmed as a dangerous hoax. His statement revealed serious wrongdoing, leading to one of the most infamous political scandals in American history. And of course, I think that at that time was appropriate, and as all of us who are here and grateful to be here and blessed to be here, we are also grateful for the American people seeing through that and putting President Trump back in office.
QUESTION: A quick follow-up, if I may.
MS BRUCE: All right. Sure.
QUESTION: So you’re saying that Secretary Rubio disagrees with the assessment from Democrats and the media that the drafting of the ICA was on the up and up?
MS BRUCE: Well, what I can say and what I always caution people in this room to not do is to not draw an extended conclusion about something that I presented. What I presented is what I presented. So I’m not going to expand more on that regarding what the Secretary thinks or might be considering. I won’t get ahead of the Secretary in that regard. But I think it’s pretty clear what his position is.
All right. Daphne.
QUESTION: Thank you so much. Just to follow up on my colleague’s question on Gaz
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