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May 2 – May 8

We're commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied powers' triumph over national socialism and fascism, and the end of World War II in Europe.

Here's what happened at State this week. ⤵️

• 🌍 Our U.S. missions in Europe joined local celebrations honoring U.S. and Allied troops who fought in World War II.
• 🕊️ We’re strengthening our diplomatic engagement in the Middle East with a new special envoy.
• 🤝 Secretary Rubio discussed combating drug and firearms trafficking, forced labor, and illegal immigration with prime ministers from the Caribbean.

Commemorating 80 Years of Freedom and Sacrifice

Across Europe, U.S. missions joined remembrance events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. (State Dept)

May 8, 1945, marked the Allies' acceptance of Germany's surrender — the beginning of the end of years of long, gruesome, and brutal warfare. 

On May 8, 2025, President Trump issued his proclamation on Victory Day for World War II.

Our U.S. missions in Europe have been joining local celebrations honoring U.S. and Allied troops who fought in World War II. Eighty years later, we honor the fallen and those who served to secure freedom around the world in this epic triumph over national socialism and fascism.

Restoring Safety and Security in the Middle East

Steve Witkoff was sworn in as the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East on May 6, 2025. (White House)

On May 6, Secretary Rubio officially swore in Steve Witkoff as U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East. 

"Our country is blessed to have a negotiator of such skill and experience who really selflessly steps up to the plate, puts himself forward all the time. Steve Witkoff is working tirelessly to end bloody and destructive conflicts," President Trump said.

Enhancing Regional Cooperation in the Caribbean

Secretary Rubio met with prime ministers from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. (State Dept./Freddie Everett)

On May 6, Secretary Rubio met with the heads of government from the Eastern Caribbean and The Bahamas to underscore the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation to combat drug and firearms trafficking and illegal migration — key drivers of violence and instability.

Secretary Rubio also reiterated our commitment to holding Cuban regime officials accountable for supporting forced labor, particularly through Cuba's medical missions.

A Week of Rescue and Reunions

President Trump meets with Ksenia Karelina, an American ballerina freed from a Russian prison, and her boyfriend, South African boxer Chris Van Heerden, May 5, 2025. (White House/Joyce N. Boghosian)

President Trump has made it a priority to bring home Americans unjustly detained overseas. In his first 100 days, the 47th president has secured the release of 47 unjustly held Americans. 

On May 5, Secretary Rubio joined President Trump in welcoming home Ksenia Karelina to the Oval Office, who was wrongfully detained in Russia for over a year.

Secretary Rubio also welcomed the successful rescue of all hostages held by the Maduro regime at the Argentinian Embassy in Caracas. Secretary Rubio condemned the Maduro regime for its ongoing violations of human rights and thanked those who assisted in the safe return of all hostages to U.S. soil.

Commemorating the 60th Foreign Affairs Day

At the AFSA Memorial Ceremony May 2, part of Foreign Affairs Day, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau honors U.S. diplomats who have lost their lives while serving overseas. (State Dept.)

On Foreign Affairs Day, we honor our colleagues past and present who are making the world more safe and secure through diplomacy.

On May 2, we celebrated the contributions of America's diplomatic workforce at a ceremony marking the 60th annual Foreign Affairs Day.

News You May Have Missed

• The U.S. and UK reached a historic trade deal, providing American companies unprecedented access to the UK markets while bolstering U.S. national security.
• President Trump welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the White House.
• We welcomed the new Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Julie S. Davis to Kyiv. Following the historic signing of an agreement to launch the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, Ambassador Davis arrives in Ukraine at a critical time to carry forward President Trump's policy to end the war and ensure lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.
• Secretary Rubio received the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute's Lifetime Leadership Award in recognition of his impactful services to the Hispanic community of the United States.
• Secretary Rubio swore in David Perdue as U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China to help manage one of America's most complex and consequential foreign relationships.
• President Trump hosted the first White House FIFA Task Force meeting.
• Secretary Rubio extended heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election.

Looking Ahead

• May 11-14: 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit
• May 26: Memorial Day

Note to Our Readers

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