Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem gathered with Western Hemisphere leaders Saturday at the Trump National Doral Miami to launch a sweeping security and economic initiative dubbed the “Shield of the Americas.”
The working lunch, held in the wake of a domestic military tragedy, focused on a “security first” doctrine. Secretary Rubio opened the session by explaining that President Trump was unable to attend as he was traveling to Dover Air Force Base to receive the remains of six Americans killed during an operation against Iranian terrorism.
“He apologizes for not being able to join us for this lunch, but he knew you would understand,” Rubio told the gathered dignitaries.
Rubio emphasized that while the initiative includes trade, energy, and treasury cooperation, physical safety remains the prerequisite for any regional growth.
“You can’t have economic progress without security,” Rubio said. He further announced that President Trump has appointed Secretary Noem as a special envoy dedicated specifically to this regional relationship to ensure the initiative produces “action” rather than just annual paperwork.
During her remarks, Secretary Noem, a former farmer and South Dakota governor, detailed the administration’s shift in border policy over the last year. She reported that the U.S. has deported or removed over three million people in the past twelve months.
“We have transformed our country from one that was being invaded by enemies, millions of them that were coming in unvetted,” Noem said. “Now that America is secure and our borders are secure, we want to focus on our neighbors and to help our neighbors with their borders.”
Noem outlined a strategy focused on “destroying the cartels,” which the U.S. has designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. She noted successful security partnerships already underway with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, as well as cybersecurity collaborations in Chile and economic discussions with Argentina’s President Javier Milei.
The “Shield” aims to create a unified front against “narcoterrorists” and prevent influence from adversaries outside the Western Hemisphere. Noem stated the primary objectives are migration control, defending national sovereignty, and reversing “harmful foreign influences” in regional technology and business.
READ: Trump Aims To Strip Iran Of Nuclear Capabilities, Says Former Advisor Kellogg
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