The directive follows President Donald Trump’s executive order Monday pausing new obligations and disbursements of foreign aid pending review.

Tensions between the U.S. and China have been rising for some time now, and Rubio's appointment has widely been seen as a sign that Trump plans to maintain a hard line on China during his second term. One of the most outspoken China hawks in Washington, Rubio has introduced several bills targeting the Chinese Communist Party.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Panama on his first trip abroad as the top U.S. diplomat after President

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Central America for his first trip as the top US diplomat. Rubio is expected to depart late next week for Panama, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Central America comes after President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised to take the Panama Canal back.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit several countries in Latin America, marking his first regional tour. Recently sworn in, Rubio has engaged in discussions both with Quad countries and various international leaders,

China's expanding footprint in Latin America is expected to be high on the agenda when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Panama next week on his first overseas trip since taking office, according to observers.

The new Secretary of State already has said the Hong Kong-based operator of Panama Canal-adjacent ports could be a “big national security and defense problem.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans key visits to Costa Rica and Central America in early 2025, focusing on migration, security, and regional cooperation under the new administration

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Panama as the first destination of his international trip, which could happen as soon as next

Big warming trend in the weekend forecast