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May 1 – May 7

Secretary Rubio has announced new sanctions targeting material support for Cuba’s government this week.

Here’s what happened at State this week. ⤵️

• Secretary Rubio held a press conference at the White House.
• The Secretary travelled to Italy and the Vatican May 6-8.
• We announced preparations for disaster relief during the 2026 hurricane season, affirming U.S. leadership in the Western Hemisphere.

Secretary Rubio Takes Questions from White House Press Corps

Secretary Marco Rubio arrives at a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 5, 2026. (Official State Department photo by Freddie Everett)

Secretary Rubio participated in a press briefing at the White House on May 5.

“America is the place where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything,” said Secretary Rubio, in response to a reporter’s question about his hope for America.

In a wide-ranging discussion, the Secretary addressed issues including security in the Middle East, where he noted common ground between Israel and Lebanon.

“There’s no problem between the Lebanese government and the Israeli government. The problem for both of them is Hizballah,” said the Secretary.

“Under President Trump, the U.S. will help our friends to stand up to rogue regimes like the one in Tehran,” added the Secretary.

Secretary Rubio Meets with Pope Leo

Secretary Marco Rubio meets Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City, Holy See, May 7, 2026. (Vatican Media)

Secretary Rubio is on official travel to Italy and the Vatican from May 6-8. Meetings with Italian counterparts focused on shared security interests and strategic alignment. 

Secretary Rubio met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.

During his conversation with Holy See Secretary of State Parolin, he emphasized the enduring partnership between the United States and the Holy See in advancing religious freedom. The Secretaries also addressed ongoing humanitarian efforts in the Western Hemisphere. 

Department Previews Hurricane Season Disaster Relief

A worker prepares to move U.S. assistance packets for delivery. (U.S. State Department)

This week, we reaffirmed our commitment to increasing preparedness and leading the Western Hemisphere in response to hurricanes and other natural disasters. Building on the United States’ rapid response to Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the Department will engage in greater coordination with the United States Southern Command through the new Bureau for Disaster and Humanitarian Response.

We announced a new U.S. humanitarian assistance hub in South Florida in advance of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.  In line with the Trump Administration’s commitment to American leadership in our region, 20 percent of our total assistance resources will be allocated to our hemisphere.

News You May Have Missed

• U.S. coalition fractures support for the IMO Global Carbon Tax, protecting American economic interests.
• Deputy Secretary Landau attended Select USA, encouraging investment in the United States. 
• Ireland, Malta, and Paraguay signed the Artemis Accords pledging their commitment to peaceful space exploration.
• Norway joined Pax Silica, and will play a leading role in developing diversified critical mineral supply chains.
• The U.S. proposed a UN Security Council Resolution to secure the Strait of Hormuz and defend freedom of navigation.
• The U.S. sanctioned Iran-aligned actors undermining Iraq’s sovereignty and exploiting its resources.
• The White House welcomed the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, confirming deepening bilateral ties.

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