American outlets including Politico report Secretary of State Marco Rubio terminated Peter Maroko, the Trump administration official overseeing USAID's dissolution, in a dramatic confrontation last week.

Key Developments:

1. The Termination

   • Maroko was barred from entering State Department buildings after returning from White House meeting

   • Security personnel informed him he was "no longer an employee"

   • Followed weeks of escalating tensions between Rubio and Maroko

2. Conflicting Explanations
   Administration sources cited:

   • "Ineffective collaboration" with colleagues (pro-Rubio faction)

   • Fundamental disagreements over USAID dismantlement process (neutral sources)

3. Official Responses

   • White House Spokesperson Anna Kelly:
     "President Trump deeply appreciates Maroko's work reforming the bloated foreign aid system"
     Notes his "success eliminating waste and restoring taxpayer accountability"

   • State Department Official:
     Credits Maroko with "historic audit of every foreign aid dollar"
     References "egregious misuse of taxpayer funds" uncovered

Behind the Scenes:

• Rubio sought White House approval before termination

• Incident occurred as tensions reached "boiling point"

• Maroko declined comment; administration statements suggest soft landing

Political Context:
The firing comes amid:
✓ Ongoing "America First" foreign aid reforms
✓ Congressional scrutiny of USAID's $41B budget
✓ Preparation for 2026 foreign policy agenda