Rubio Responds to Criticism of US Myanmar Earthquake Aid Efforts

In a recent interview, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the American response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, attributing shortcomings to broader priorities and logistical challenges rather than financial constraints from previous humanitarian cuts.

 
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has responded to criticism regarding the lack of a significant US response to the earthquake that struck Myanmar, which has resulted in over 3,300 deaths. Accusations have been leveled against the Trump administration for dismantling the US Agency for International Development (USAID), leaving the US ill-prepared to provide immediate rescue efforts.

In an interview with the BBC, Rubio stated, "we are not the government of the world," suggesting that while the US is committed to humanitarian assistance, it must balance this with national interests. Former USAID officials have noted that the US was unable to deploy rescue teams and equipment due to the agency's budget cuts, which were part of a broader strategy initiated by the Trump administration to reduce foreign aid.

Despite the reported formal request for assistance from Myanmar, Rubio emphasized the difficulties posed by the military junta in the country, impacting access to aid. "There's a lot of other rich countries in the world; they should all be pitching in," he remarked, directing attention to the financial capabilities of nations like China and India, who have already responded to the disaster.

Rubio also dismissed allegations made by humanitarian aid experts regarding the impact of USAID cuts on rescue efforts, stating a need to reform how funds are allocated in foreign assistance. "We are no longer going to spend 10 million, 100 million dollars to get 10 million to recipients,” he said, indicating a shift towards more efficient aid delivery through partnerships with governments and on-the-ground NGOs.

Amidst the unfolding crisis in Myanmar, the US government has reportedly faced barriers in deploying its Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) due to logistical challenges arising from previous cuts to USAID. Rubio maintained that the US is prepared to assist but urged other affluent nations to contribute their share.