On April 9, 2025, the U.S. State Department acknowledged the repatriation into U.S. custody of three Americans convicted in a failed coup attempt in Congo, referring questions about the transfer to the Department of Justice. This diplomatic procedure, conducted in coordination with the U.S. Embassy and international partners, reflects standard judicial and diplomatic cooperation.

On March 6, 2025, the U.S. State Department abruptly canceled multiple foreign aid programs that supported opposition activists, political prisoners, and independent media in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This move, justified on the grounds of not serving the national interest, is seen as a significant policy shift that may effectively benefit authoritarian regimes by cutting off support to groups working for democratic reforms.

The U.S. State Department, following an executive order aligned with President Trump’s agenda, ordered a freeze on new funding for nearly all U.S. foreign aid programs globally—excluding emergency food programs and select military aid—raising significant concerns over the humanitarian and economic impacts on vulnerable communities worldwide.

An in‑depth analysis reveals that the U.S. State Department continues to sustain close and cooperative ties with authoritarian regimes, prioritizing strategic security and economic interests despite its public commitment to promoting democracy and human rights. This dual approach highlights a policy inconsistency that undermines progressive democratic values.

The U.S. State Department is spearheading a global initiative to prevent authoritarian regimes from exploiting sensitive technology for state surveillance and human rights abuses. The move includes developing a code of conduct for export licensing and international information sharing on technology that is often misused to target dissidents, journalists, and activists.