Rubio waives human rights restrictions to release $320 million in military aid to Egypt

ABC News and AP ^ | 10/01/2026 | MICHELLE L. PRICE and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press

[DFG]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has waived a restriction on $320 million in military aid to Egypt that had been previously withheld over human rights concerns, citing Egypt’s help in dealing with Iran since the conflict began earlier this year.

The State Department said Thursday that Rubio had signed off on the waiver “in the interest of U.S. national security.”

"The Secretary’s determination reflects the importance of Egypt to U.S. national security interests, and the concrete security cooperation Egypt provides to the United States,” the department said.

In a letter sent to lawmakers whose contents were shared with The Associated Press, Rubio cited, in particular, Egypt’s “helpful role” in the war with Iran. Egypt has been a key mediator between the U.S. and Iran in the efforts to wind down the more than seven-month-long conflict.

The State Department maintained that the Trump administration would continue to raise human rights matters as part of its dialogue with Egypt “on the full range of issues in our bilateral relationship.”

“The waiver determination recognizes the importance of maintaining security cooperation with Egypt at a time of significant regional security challenges,” the department said.

The $320 million is part of an annual U.S. contribution of $1.3 billion in economic and military assistance to Egypt. Specifically, it is for foreign military financing, which provides money for recipient nations to purchase U.S.-produced weaponry.

Congress inserted the requirement over concerns about Egypt’s human rights record, which many experts regard as problematic. The State Department itself in recent years has pointed to credible reports of torture, arbitrary arrest, child labor and restrictions on expression.

But granting a waiver to Egypt has become routine for both Republican and Democratic administrations.

---

TOPICS: Egypt
KEYWORDS: egypt; humanrights; ibrahimalorgani; mahmoudalsisi; rubio; sinai; statedepartment

[Gen.Blather]

Egypt is finished as a viable state. They have adopted Iran’s model where the military owns and operates all the companies and builds all the (mostly corrupt honeypot) projects. None of these companies or projects are about making Egypt better or competitive. They’re about lining the pockets of people in power. So American will manage who gets the money as best as possible for whatever short term advantage America needs at the moment. But Egypt the nation is screwed and will be forever poor.

[BobL]

Good for Rubio, assuming that he wasn’t simply ‘following orders’ again (I’m no fan of his for the top job). Before Egypt’s current government, the country was run by the Muslim Brotherhood, a bit nicer than ISIS, but not much by much. Trying to go down the “human rights” pathway has probably led more suffering in the world than anything in modern times, other than Communism (and Democrats).

[Uncle Miltie]

.

[Iron Munro]

If the Feral government has enough of our tax money to give away to foreigners it is taxing us too much and should give it back to taxpayers.

Haven’t they thrown enough of our money away since 1945?

America and American citizens should be their priority.

[Resolute Conservative]

Stop giving our money away.

[neverevergiveup]

I agree with your premise, but it’s much more complicated now than it ever was before. This is specifically because the reach of our foreign enemies has been expanded by technology. It’s much harder to remain insular now. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be selective and careful with any money sent abroad, or whether or not we should be involved in a conflict.

Unfortunately, America and American citizen aren’t even a priority within our own borders.

[fishtank]

Egypt should open their border to Gaza.

[bert]

No. Egypt must not be polluted with the human trash that populates Gaza.

[Kleon]

America and American citizens should be their priority.

If we can save Americans billions in gas costs by sending millions to the Middle East, I consider that a win for American citizens.

[skimbell]

[Socon-Econ]

Egypt was complicit in the October 7 terror attack from Gaza.

What are we — or any other Christian nation — getting out of this?

[Paul R.]

For that kind of money, we should expect a big batch of ground troops to hold the western Yemeni coast, conduct anti-drone launcher sweeps (assisted by all the US intel they can use), etc. Oh, yeah, and seal off Gaza’s border with Israel. The ROI for Egypt would be considerable, and the experienced troops can then be used o knock off Egypt’s troublemakers.

[mac_truck]

Egypt was complicit in the October 7 terror attack from Gaza.

Egypt warned Israel that the attack was coming, how does that make them 'complicit'?

[Socon-Econ]

Egypt was complicit in the October 7 terror attack from Gaza.
........
Egypt warned Israel that the attack was coming, how does that make them ‘complicit’?
**********
Egypt has long been a split personality. Another part of the Egyptial government knew about the tunnels from Egypt to Gaza feeding Hamas and kept the government from shutting them down.

[cowboyusa]

😡😡😡