Eric Bazail-Eimil
@ebazail.bsky.social
POLITICO national security reporter | Come for the news, stay for the sports commentary | send tips: [email protected]
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
Marco Rubio is taking some serious political risks in pushing the military campaign against Venezeula's Nicolas Maduro. A deep-ish dive by @ebazail.bsky.social and myself: www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
How Rubio’s political fate is entangled with Maduro’s
The U.S. move against Venezuela’s dictator is resonating in Florida, home to a key political constituency of the secretary of State.
www.politico.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Marco Rubio is taking some serious political risks in pushing the military campaign against Venezeula's Nicolas Maduro. A deep-ish dive by @ebazail.bsky.social and myself: www.politico.com/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
Why “intends to”*? Why not do it & announce you already have? That’s the standard process. Unless you’re trying to pressure Nicolas Maduro to negotiate something before then?
*In his full statement, Rubio says it takes effect Nov. 24.
*In his full statement, Rubio says it takes effect Nov. 24.
November 16, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Why “intends to”*? Why not do it & announce you already have? That’s the standard process. Unless you’re trying to pressure Nicolas Maduro to negotiate something before then?
*In his full statement, Rubio says it takes effect Nov. 24.
*In his full statement, Rubio says it takes effect Nov. 24.
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
It's on: The Trump administration is gunning for Maduro's Venezuela via @ebazail.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Trump’s boat strikes unite regime change advocates and immigration hardliners
Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are “on the same page” about the U.S. government approaching the South American petrostate as a transnational criminal group.
www.politico.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:34 PM
It's on: The Trump administration is gunning for Maduro's Venezuela via @ebazail.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
Federal court blocks ICE from detaining unaccompanied minors once they turn 18
The ruling comes a day after ICE confirmed it would offer unaccompanied minors money to self-deport to their home countries
From @ebazail.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
The ruling comes a day after ICE confirmed it would offer unaccompanied minors money to self-deport to their home countries
From @ebazail.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Federal court blocks ICE from detaining unaccompanied minors once they turn 18
The ruling comes a day after ICE confirmed it would offer unaccompanied minors money to self-deport to their home countries.
www.politico.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Federal court blocks ICE from detaining unaccompanied minors once they turn 18
The ruling comes a day after ICE confirmed it would offer unaccompanied minors money to self-deport to their home countries
From @ebazail.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
The ruling comes a day after ICE confirmed it would offer unaccompanied minors money to self-deport to their home countries
From @ebazail.bsky.social
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
“Either through a singular, exceptional penetration or through cumulative penetrations, the Chinese may have a major intelligence advantage in the event of a war with Taiwan and, by extension, with the United States" w/ @ebazail.bsky.social www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Chinese spies threaten Taiwan’s war readiness
Chinese spies have been found lurking in the upper ranks of President Lai Ching-Te's government.
www.politico.com
July 9, 2025 at 9:37 PM
“Either through a singular, exceptional penetration or through cumulative penetrations, the Chinese may have a major intelligence advantage in the event of a war with Taiwan and, by extension, with the United States" w/ @ebazail.bsky.social www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
EXCLUSIVE: US diplomats have officially been directed to screen the social media and online presence of all student visa applicants.
State Department unveils social media screening rules for all student visa applicants
Applicants will be vetted for “any indications of hostility towards the citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles of the United States.”
www.politico.com
June 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
EXCLUSIVE: US diplomats have officially been directed to screen the social media and online presence of all student visa applicants.
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
The story has been updated with a bunch more details, including how the department is defining what counts as "onlne presence." Major thanks to @ebazail.bsky.social for crucial help on this. www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
State Department unveils social media screening rules for all student visa applicants
Applicants will be vetted for “any indications of hostility towards the citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles of the United States.”
www.politico.com
June 18, 2025 at 7:38 PM
The story has been updated with a bunch more details, including how the department is defining what counts as "onlne presence." Major thanks to @ebazail.bsky.social for crucial help on this. www.politico.com/news/2025/06...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
Exclusive: The State Department has told U.S. consulates and embassies to start reviewing the social media accounts of Harvard's student visa applicants for antisemitism.
State begins rolling out expanded student visa vetting — starting with Harvard
The State Department issued instructions to consulates and embassies late Thursday telling them to start the vetting immediately.
www.politico.com
May 30, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Exclusive: The State Department has told U.S. consulates and embassies to start reviewing the social media accounts of Harvard's student visa applicants for antisemitism.
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
Here’s the free version. FYI — we will update with this info soon — but this also affects visiting faculty, scholars & more, not just students. And if you set your social media to private or don’t do much social media, the visa officer may hold that against you: www.politico.com/news/2025/05...
State implements reviews of Harvard visa applicants’ social media accounts
The State Department issued instructions to consulates and embassies late Thursday telling them to start the vetting immediately.
www.politico.com
May 30, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Here’s the free version. FYI — we will update with this info soon — but this also affects visiting faculty, scholars & more, not just students. And if you set your social media to private or don’t do much social media, the visa officer may hold that against you: www.politico.com/news/2025/05...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
SCOOP: The State Dept has begun rolling out its enhanced social media vetting plan. It’s starting with Harvard. We have the cable. Free version of story will post soon, and we will update with details: subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: State implements reviews of Harvard visa applicants’ social media accounts
The State Department issued instructions to consulates and embassies late Thursday telling them to start the vetting immediately.
subscriber.politicopro.com
May 30, 2025 at 1:26 PM
SCOOP: The State Dept has begun rolling out its enhanced social media vetting plan. It’s starting with Harvard. We have the cable. Free version of story will post soon, and we will update with details: subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
As we gear up for #GUReunion 2025, we're spotlighting SFS alums @ldelevingne.bsky.social, @megkinnardap.bsky.social, @ebazail.bsky.social & Annabelle Timsit who've turned a passion for global affairs into journalism careers. 🗞️🌍
Read more: bit.ly/4dKT4Bl
Read more: bit.ly/4dKT4Bl
SFS journalist alumni tell the world's stories - SFS - School of Foreign Service - Georgetown University
Many SFS alumni become journalists, driven by a shared call to inform. We spoke with several about their paths, lessons and lasting SFS impact.
bit.ly
May 27, 2025 at 7:20 PM
As we gear up for #GUReunion 2025, we're spotlighting SFS alums @ldelevingne.bsky.social, @megkinnardap.bsky.social, @ebazail.bsky.social & Annabelle Timsit who've turned a passion for global affairs into journalism careers. 🗞️🌍
Read more: bit.ly/4dKT4Bl
Read more: bit.ly/4dKT4Bl
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
NEW COLUMN: It's absurd for President Trump and his team to act like they cannot easily free Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador's prisons. But what if we were to play along with this performance? What are Trump's options? My latest: www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Trump Is Pretending to Be Weak When It Comes to El Salvador
Does the president remember he’s already freed many people wrongfully detained overseas?
www.politico.com
April 24, 2025 at 4:20 PM
NEW COLUMN: It's absurd for President Trump and his team to act like they cannot easily free Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador's prisons. But what if we were to play along with this performance? What are Trump's options? My latest: www.politico.com/news/magazin...
NEW: I wrote for POLITICO's Nightly Newsletter about Pope Francis, and the uncertain future facing the Catholic Church in the wake of his passing today.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
An uncertain next act for the Catholic Church
www.politico.com
April 22, 2025 at 2:33 AM
NEW: I wrote for POLITICO's Nightly Newsletter about Pope Francis, and the uncertain future facing the Catholic Church in the wake of his passing today.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
1/Hi all. Yes, I’ve seen the document that may be a draft executive order reorganizing the State Department. No, I’m not certain it’s what will reach the president’s desk — if he even chooses to do this through an EO.
April 20, 2025 at 11:56 AM
1/Hi all. Yes, I’ve seen the document that may be a draft executive order reorganizing the State Department. No, I’m not certain it’s what will reach the president’s desk — if he even chooses to do this through an EO.
A must-read (again) from @nahaltoosi.bsky.social
"While the Trump administration is retrenching globally and imposing tariffs all over, no region appears to matter less to the White House than Africa."
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
"While the Trump administration is retrenching globally and imposing tariffs all over, no region appears to matter less to the White House than Africa."
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Trump is Actually Doing what Many Presidents Have Promised on Africa
Administration officials say countries can’t just invoke “China” and get aid.
www.politico.com
April 17, 2025 at 3:01 PM
A must-read (again) from @nahaltoosi.bsky.social
"While the Trump administration is retrenching globally and imposing tariffs all over, no region appears to matter less to the White House than Africa."
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
"While the Trump administration is retrenching globally and imposing tariffs all over, no region appears to matter less to the White House than Africa."
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
Thanks to my colleagues Robbie Gramer and @ebazail.bsky.social for letting me helm NatSec Daily today and take a look at the massive upheaval for our nation’s cyber defense and intelligence agencies: www.politico.com/newsletters/...
National Security Daily
The timing for the nation’s keyboard warriors couldn’t be worse.
www.politico.com
April 10, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Thanks to my colleagues Robbie Gramer and @ebazail.bsky.social for letting me helm NatSec Daily today and take a look at the massive upheaval for our nation’s cyber defense and intelligence agencies: www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
"Japanese and Philippine officials will likely want more information about Musk’s role at the Pentagon given his massive Tesla investments in China and history of pro-Beijing positions on Taiwan’s status" w/ @ebazail.bsky.social www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Musk’s Pentagon briefing may haunt Hegseth in Asia
Some of the concern abroad is that the briefing is just the latest example of the chaotic nature of President Donald Trump’s approach to the world.
www.politico.com
March 22, 2025 at 12:14 PM
"Japanese and Philippine officials will likely want more information about Musk’s role at the Pentagon given his massive Tesla investments in China and history of pro-Beijing positions on Taiwan’s status" w/ @ebazail.bsky.social www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
SCOOP: The Trump team is taking a hatchet to the State Department's annual — and world-renowned — human rights report. www.politico.com/news/2025/03...
Trump drastically cutting back annual human rights report
Sections on women’s rights and the security of LGBTQ+ people are among those being axed.
www.politico.com
March 19, 2025 at 5:07 PM
SCOOP: The Trump team is taking a hatchet to the State Department's annual — and world-renowned — human rights report. www.politico.com/news/2025/03...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
SCOOP: USAID's watchdog has yet to release two scathing reports on the consequences of Trump’s dismantling of USAID amid fears of retaliation from the White House, per interviews and documents, my colleagues John Hudson & Lisa Rein report.
wapo.st/4h3WxLc
wapo.st/4h3WxLc
Harsh findings on Trump’s aid freeze kept secret by USAID watchdog
Two reports showing dire impacts on Africa and Gaza have not been released in fear of Trump’s wrath, official says.
wapo.st
February 28, 2025 at 12:29 AM
SCOOP: USAID's watchdog has yet to release two scathing reports on the consequences of Trump’s dismantling of USAID amid fears of retaliation from the White House, per interviews and documents, my colleagues John Hudson & Lisa Rein report.
wapo.st/4h3WxLc
wapo.st/4h3WxLc
Senior State Department officials are compiling a list of additional exemptions to the aid pause for Ukraine that could give the country access to some frozen economic and security-related assistance.
w @nahaltoosi.bsky.social Robbie Gramer and Joe Gould
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
w @nahaltoosi.bsky.social Robbie Gramer and Joe Gould
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
State Department officials pushing to release more frozen Ukraine funds
The efforts highlight internal discord inside the Trump administration over how to treat Kyiv.
www.politico.com
February 25, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Senior State Department officials are compiling a list of additional exemptions to the aid pause for Ukraine that could give the country access to some frozen economic and security-related assistance.
w @nahaltoosi.bsky.social Robbie Gramer and Joe Gould
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
w @nahaltoosi.bsky.social Robbie Gramer and Joe Gould
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
“Half of Europe is asleep, paralyzed into shock and another part is taking security seriously and mobilizing like the Nordic and Baltic countries. But will that be enough?” @apolyakova.bsky.social explains to Robbie Gramer @paulmcleary.bsky.social y & @ebazail.bsky.social at #MSC2025
National Security Daily
From the SitRoom to the E-Ring, the inside scoop on defense, national security and foreign policy.
www.politico.com
February 15, 2025 at 5:21 PM
“Half of Europe is asleep, paralyzed into shock and another part is taking security seriously and mobilizing like the Nordic and Baltic countries. But will that be enough?” @apolyakova.bsky.social explains to Robbie Gramer @paulmcleary.bsky.social y & @ebazail.bsky.social at #MSC2025
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
1/NEW: Trump appointees at State/USAID announce today they’ve set up a Coordination Support Team to help USAID staff overseas get back to the U.S. I’ve seen the cable that lays it out.
February 15, 2025 at 4:03 PM
1/NEW: Trump appointees at State/USAID announce today they’ve set up a Coordination Support Team to help USAID staff overseas get back to the U.S. I’ve seen the cable that lays it out.
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
New from my colleague @ebazail.bsky.social: Secretary of State Rubio signed a waiver turning the funding back on for US cyber support to Costa Rica during his trip to the country last week, according to Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo André: subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
POLITICO Pro: Costa Rica says US State Department issued waiver to unfreeze funding toward its cyber programs
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had pledged to continue support for the country’s cybersecurity efforts.
subscriber.politicopro.com
February 11, 2025 at 1:04 AM
New from my colleague @ebazail.bsky.social: Secretary of State Rubio signed a waiver turning the funding back on for US cyber support to Costa Rica during his trip to the country last week, according to Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo André: subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Eric Bazail-Eimil
NEW: In new order bashing South Africa, the Trump administration says “the United States shall promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination, including racially discriminatory property confiscation.
February 7, 2025 at 10:50 PM
NEW: In new order bashing South Africa, the Trump administration says “the United States shall promote the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored race-based discrimination, including racially discriminatory property confiscation.
SCOOP with Amy Mackinnon: Trump is considering nominating former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to be U.S. ambassador to Serbia.
Blagojevich, whose corruption conviction sentence Trump commuted, chaired a group called Serbians for Trump in the 2024 election.
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
Blagojevich, whose corruption conviction sentence Trump commuted, chaired a group called Serbians for Trump in the 2024 election.
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
Trump considering Blagojevich for ambassador to Serbia
The former governor of Illinois, whose corruption conviction sentence Trump commuted, chaired a group called Serbians for Trump in the 2024 election.
www.politico.com
February 7, 2025 at 5:21 PM
SCOOP with Amy Mackinnon: Trump is considering nominating former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to be U.S. ambassador to Serbia.
Blagojevich, whose corruption conviction sentence Trump commuted, chaired a group called Serbians for Trump in the 2024 election.
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
Blagojevich, whose corruption conviction sentence Trump commuted, chaired a group called Serbians for Trump in the 2024 election.
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...