President Trump recently signed an executive order designed to strengthen and unify U.S. foreign policy under the "America First" agenda. This order emphasizes the State Department's role in upholding these priorities and provides mechanisms for ensuring that all personnel adhere to the President's policies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been granted significant authority under this order. He is tasked with implementing reforms related to recruitment, evaluation, performance, and retention within the State Department. This includes updating the Foreign Affairs Manual and other procedural documents to ensure that the U.S. is represented by the most qualified individuals in foreign service.

Secretary Rubio's role extends to overseeing reforms to ensure the State Department employs highly qualified personnel. (Mark Schiefelbein/The Associated Press)

The White House stated that this executive order aims to protect the integrity of U.S. foreign policy by prioritizing American interests and holding personnel accountable to the President's vision. The goal is to prevent the U.S. from being exploited by foreign nations or actors who threaten its sovereignty and security.

This executive order builds upon President Trump's initial America First policy directive, which declared that U.S. foreign policy should prioritize core American interests. This administration has introduced several significant foreign policy initiatives during its second term, including a proposal to close the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Rubio, now leading USAID, expressed concerns about the agency's effectiveness, stating that it is not a "global charity" and must be aligned with U.S. national interests. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and effectively.

President Trump announced his intentions regarding the Gaza Strip during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. (Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

In another significant development, President Trump announced plans to assume long-term control of the Gaza Strip to promote stability in the region. This proposal generated strong reactions from Arab nations, leading to an emergency Arab Summit to address the situation.

King Abdullah II of Jordan, after meeting with President Trump, indicated that he would defer to Egypt's leadership in negotiating with the U.S. on the Gaza proposal. However, he did announce Jordan's plan to accept 2,000 Palestinian children in need of medical care.