Karina Bovsunovska14:11, 18.07.25

This order was sent to all US diplomatic institutions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed American diplomats around the world not to comment on elections in other countries, Reuters reports , citing an internal memo seen by reporters.

The publication emphasizes that such a decision is a serious departure from the traditional US approach to promoting free and fair elections abroad. 

In particular, the order, which was sent to all US diplomatic missions on July 17, states that the State Department will no longer make election-related statements or posts on its social media unless there is a “clear and compelling” foreign policy interest. 

“When appropriate to comment on foreign elections, our message should be brief, focused on congratulating the winning candidate and, when appropriate, on noting shared foreign policy interests.

Messages should avoid statements about the fairness or integrity of the electoral process, its legitimacy, or the democratic values of the country in question,” the cable, which was marked “sensitive” but not classified, said.

It also emphasizes that election-related communications must come from either the secretary himself or a State Department spokesperson, and that American diplomats are prohibited from making such statements without the express approval of senior management in the department.

The telegram also mentioned US President Donald Trump’s speech in Riyadh on May 13, in which he criticized “Western interventionists” who tell Middle Eastern countries how to run their own affairs. He then stated that it was no longer Washington’s business, so he wanted to establish partnerships. 

“While the United States will stand firm in its democratic values and stand up for them when other countries choose a similar path, the President has made it clear that the United States will seek partnerships with countries wherever our strategic interests align,” the statement added.

(c)UNIAN 2025