In a dramatic turn of events last week, Peter Marocco, a key Trump administration official instrumental in efforts to overhaul USAID, was abruptly let go and denied access to the State Department premises following a meeting at the White House.
The decision, reportedly led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has ignited a storm of criticism from Trump loyalists and fueled an ongoing rift between the MAGA movement and more traditional conservative elements within the GOP, as Politico reports.
Marocco, known for his staunch dedication to President Donald Trump’s agenda, found himself out of a job without warning upon returning to the State Department. Security personnel informed him that he was no longer employed, unsettling the MAGA community and triggering vocal backlash against Rubio.
Critics within the MAGA movement directed strong disapproval toward Rubio, accusing him of undermining their objectives and displaying disloyalty to Trump’s vision. Sources indicate that the decision to terminate Marocco's employment was not made impulsively; several officials, citing reasons ranging from Marocco’s management style to policy disagreements over USAID, were involved.
Rubio, who reportedly sought approval from a senior White House aide before executing the dismissal, has come under fire for his actions. A White House official starkly described Marocco's firing as “the first MAGA world killing from inside the White House,” highlighting the sensitivity and intensity of the situation. Despite the controversy, a White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, commended Marocco’s contributions, emphasizing that President Trump and his team are grateful for his efforts and that he will continue to be a valuable figure in the MAGA movement.
While Marocco did not comment publicly following his termination, he received praise from a State Department official for his work in exposing abuses within foreign aid programs. The official expressed optimism about Marocco’s future endeavors, despite the challenges posed by his departure.
Marocco’s removal has deepened skepticism toward Rubio among MAGA supporters, who question his motives and suspect him of safeguarding USAID, as well as betraying Trump’s loyalists. The conflict underscores the persistent tension between the MAGA faction and traditional conservatives within the current administration. A central point of contention between Marocco and Rubio centered around the fate of USAID. Marocco aimed for a complete dismantling of the agency, while Rubio advocated for retaining and optimizing certain programs.
In March, Rubio announced significant cuts to USAID programs, reducing their scope by 83%. He insisted that assertions of maintaining USAID's functionality were misleading. Rubio proposed consolidating the remaining USAID operations into the State Department to enhance oversight and accountability, seemingly striving to strike a balance between dismantling and preserving.
Despite these intentions, prominent far-right influencers, such as Laura Loomer, sharply criticized Rubio, labeling him as betraying Trump loyalists. Loomer, a significant voice within MAGA circles, had previously been an advocate for firings within the National Security Council, underscoring friction between ideological factions.
Marocco, known as a "die-hard" MAGA advocate, had garnered support within the movement for his aggressive stance against USAID. However, Rubio’s past as a 2016 Trump rival and his more mainstream Republican background complicate his position. To appeal to MAGA supporters, Rubio has adopted certain hardline stances, including endorsing Trump’s immigration policies.
Some MAGA factions have supported Rubio's moves, like dismantling a State Department initiative perceived to censor conservative voices. Nevertheless, Rubio continues to tread a fine line, preserving essential aid programs while canceling others, such as the recent cessation of 139 grants worth $214 million, deemed aligned with left-leaning movements. Marocco’s tenure was not without controversy. During a previous stint at USAID in 2020, he sparked discontent among staff, resulting in a 13-page complaint memo.
A Trump administration official clarified that Marocco’s firing was a collective decision, incorporating feedback from various officials, including White House figures, who had received numerous complaints regarding his conduct.
As Rubio attempts to navigate the political landscape and maintain support, Marocco’s departure remains a focal point of division among Trump loyalists. The firing raises questions about the trajectory of U.S. foreign aid and the ongoing struggle between differing visions within the conservative movement. With Marocco’s influence still recognized, expectations of significant contributions from him in the future linger, leaving room for continued debate and political maneuvering.
