Jalil Afridi
WASHINGTON : Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce delivered a wide-ranging press briefing Tuesday at the U.S. State Department, emphasizing the Trump administration’s foreign policy priorities, dramatic cuts to international aid programs, and renewed pressure on Iran to dismantle its nuclear capabilities.
Opening with strong remarks against antisemitism, Bruce affirmed U.S. solidarity with Jewish communities globally. “The United States stands with you,” she said, pledging continued efforts to combat rising hate.
A centerpiece of the briefing was the administration’s decision to cancel 139 State Department grants, totaling $214 million, under the directive of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Bruce cited two examples of defunded programs: “Building the Migrant Domestic Worker-Led Movement” in Lebanon and “Get the Trolls Out!” in the United Kingdom. “We are cleaning up the mess the previous administration left,” she said, reinforcing a sharp pivot toward the “America First” agenda.
On trade policy, Bruce hailed President Trump’s tariff strategy as a reset of decades of “unfair trade arrangements.” Defending recent aggressive actions, she declared that Trump is the only leader capable of undoing what she described as the “global left’s” economic burden on the United States.
Iran featured prominently in the briefing, with Bruce backing Ambassador Steven Witkoff’s statement that any deal with Iran must be a “Trump deal.” The administration insists Iran must “stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.” Despite past ambiguity about permitting a civilian nuclear program, Bruce reiterated that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon or an enrichment program.”
Regarding funding for multilateral organizations, Bruce denied claims that the U.S. is withdrawing from NATO or the United Nations. She reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to NATO but emphasized the need for allies to boost their defense spending. “This is about making NATO stronger,” she said, rejecting concerns of total defunding as “fearmongering.”
On Middle East issues, Bruce addressed the Palestinian Authority’s alleged outreach to resume U.S. aid by ending the “pay-for-slay” program. Without confirming diplomatic correspondence, Bruce stressed that foreign aid “is not a carrot or a stick” but should align with American values and security.
She also condemned the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan for ongoing violence, calling for humanitarian corridors and respect for international law. While she did not reaffirm the previous administration’s genocide designation, Bruce emphasized the urgency of peace talks after two years of conflict.
The State Department also confirmed President Bukele of El Salvador’s visit and praised bilateral cooperation on law and order, including the deportation of MS-13 members.
As the Trump administration navigates turbulent global affairs, Bruce’s assertive tone reinforced a clear message: America’s foreign policy is being recalibrated—with U.S. strength and accountability as its foundation.
