Edward Wong

Edward Wong

@ewong.bsky.social

Diplomatic Correspondent for The New York Times

17.5K followers353 following367 posts

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Sec. of State Marco Rubio, who is also Trump's national security adviser, told reporters today that the "best case scenario" is he stays in his job for another 2 years and 2 months and sees Venezuela become a democracy "well in advance" of leaving his position or positions.

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Our first look at Machado in Venezuela: Some US voters, mainly Venezuelans and Cubans, criticize Trump and Rubio's alliance with the autocratic government in Caracas. They hope Machado pushes democracy. Trump aides intervened to stop her return earlier. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/10/25/w...

nytimes.comMaría Corina Machado Returns to Venezuela (Gift Article)After nearly 10 months in exile, Ms. Machado, a Nobel laureate, came back to challenge leaders who have sidelined her and press for new elections.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

US officials say they see the highest threat level from Iran since the start of Trump and Netanyahu's war. They say intel shows Iran is in the "advanced stages" of planning to attack US officials — not only in the Middle East, but in Europe and the US too. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/10/23/u...

nytimes.comIran in ‘Advanced Stages’ of Planning Attacks Against Americans, Officials Say (Gift Article)The U.S. government has ordered diplomats and other federal employees to leave Saudi Arabia. It is also drawing down staff at other missions in the region.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Trump says Venezuela isn't ready for elections and focuses on its oil, but Rubio has pushed talks between combatant politicians. We went to Caracas to get a look — and to gauge whether the US is prodding the authoritarian rulers toward democracy. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/10/23/u...

nytimes.comUnder U.S. Watch, Venezuela Grapples With Tensions Over Democracy (Gift Article)President Trump says Venezuela is not ready for elections, and he focuses instead on its oil. But Secretary of State Marco Rubio is nudging talks between opposing politicians.

Edward Wong reposted

Phil Lewis
@phillewis.bsky.social

Students from North Carolina A&T can be seen marching back to their HBCU after voting on the first day of early voting in the state. The Guilford County Board of Elections voted to remove the school’s on-campus polling site. (video via Todd Simmons) greensboro.com/news/local/g...

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Breaking: The Trump administration has imposed new sanctions on the International Criminal Court, the latest effort to try to cripple it. The Nobel Peace Prize was just awarded to a former ICC judge. Many US allies are among the 125 court member states. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/09/u...

nytimes.comTrump Administration Hits International Criminal Court With Severe SanctionsU.S. officials announced new punishments aimed at the court, just hours after the Nobel Peace Prize committee gave its annual honor to a former court judge.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Reporting from Athens: Rubio gave a speech on rallying Europe to join the US in world domination by awakening from "slumber" and reviving "Western civilization" — ideas rooted in right-wing nationalism. He invoked memes, like the 300 Spartans vs. Persians. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/10/07/w...

Edward Wong reposted

Roger Parloff
@rparloff.bsky.social

In her last hours as DHS Secy, Noem's agency bought 5 planes from a donor at markups. In all, DHS gave $900M in contracts to that donor’s companies during her term. One plane had electronic bidets, 2 bedrooms, bar, wine chiller, a manta-ray skin table. www.nytimes.com/2026/10/04/u...

nytimes.comKristi Noem’s Agency Gave Her Donor a Lucrative Contract Just Before She Left (Gift Article)The Homeland Security Department signed a multi-million dollar agreement to buy five aircraft from a company owned by a political contributor of the secretary on her last day, documents show.

Edward Wong reposted

Greg Sargent
@gregsargent.bsky.social

Something remarkable is happening: James Talarico is running an expansively pro-immigrant campaign in Texas, a state Trump won by 14 points, speaking in Biblical terms about our duty to "the stranger." And it's resonating. That's seismic. 1/ (new piece) newrepublic.com/article/2160...

newrepublic.comIn Texas, Something Seismic Is Happening—and It’s All Trump’s FaultThanks to the economy and ICE, Trump has lost Texas Latinos. And James Talarico is developing a humane pro-immigrant message that’s resonating—even in this ultra-Trumpy state.

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Extraordinary for any American president: Trump offered to sell weapons to Xi Jinping of China. That was revealed by David Perdue, US ambassador. Trump is withholding a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan approved by Congress. China aids Iran and Russia. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/27/u...

nytimes.comTrump Offered to Sell Arms to China, U.S. Ambassador Says (Gift Article)President Trump made the offer to Xi Jinping, China’s leader, said David Perdue, the U.S. ambassador to China. Trump is withholding a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Extraordinary for any American president: Trump offered to sell weapons to Xi Jinping of China. That was revealed by David Perdue, US ambassador. Trump is withholding a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan approved by Congress. China aids Iran and Russia. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/27/u...

nytimes.comTrump Offered to Sell Arms to China, U.S. Ambassador Says (Gift Article)President Trump made the offer to Xi Jinping, China’s leader, said David Perdue, the U.S. ambassador to China. Trump is withholding a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Xi Jinping said at a meeting with Trump that China would send two pandas to the Atlanta zoo. Panda diplomacy — literal soft power — is a cornerstone of U.S.-China relations. Zoos pay big money to get the fur balls on loan, which draw millions of fans. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/24/u...

nytimes.comChina to Send Pandas to Zoo Atlanta, Xi Says (Gift Article)Xi Jinping, China’s leader, said two pandas would arrive soon at Zoo Atlanta. Panda diplomacy has been a cornerstone of U.S.-China relations.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Rubio said today that Trump has asked leaders of 18 nations in Latin America and the Caribbean to designate two dozen crime groups "terrorist" organizations, following the lead of the US. That confirms our @nytimes.com report on Trump's push. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/w...

nytimes.comAt Trump’s Request, Nations Are Designating Crime Groups as Terrorists (Gift Article)Secretary of State Marco Rubio said leaders of countries across Latin America and the Caribbean had begun making the designations. The actions could help provide a public rationale for military strike...
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Trump and his aides are building a rationale for more military strikes across Latin America and the Caribbean. They're getting 14 countries to designate crime groups "terrorist" organizations. That's expected to happen this week, during UNGA in NY. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/22/w...

nytimes.comMirroring Trump, Allies Are Expected to Label Latin American Cartels ‘Terrorists’ at U.N.G.A. (Gift Article)On the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, 14 countries are expected to follow Washington’s lead by designating 25 criminal groups as terrorist organizations.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

From a former State Dept. lawyer who specialized in the law of armed conflict

Brian Finucane@bcfinucane.bsky.social

The Trump administration's lawless killing spree at sea continues with a lethal strike on four more supposed "narco-terrorists" in the Caribbean. Very real killing in a make-believe war. Outside of war the general term for premeditated killing is murder.

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Trump could ask Xi Jinping next week to broker a meeting with Kim Jong-un of North Korea, whom Trump has been courting. Xi doesn't want stronger US-North Korea ties, but might do Trump a favor to gain leverage. Kim isn't returning Trump's love yet. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/18/u...

nytimes.comTrump Courts North Korea’s Leader, but Might Need China to Reignite the Flame (Gift Article)President Trump has gotten no love back yet from Kim Jong-un. He could turn to Xi Jinping, China’s leader, to help set up a summit when Mr. Xi visits Washington next week.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Trump could ask Xi Jinping next week to broker a meeting with Kim Jong-un of North Korea, whom Trump has been courting. Xi doesn't want stronger US-North Korea ties, but might do Trump a favor to gain leverage. Kim isn't returning Trump's love yet. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/18/u...

nytimes.comTrump Courts North Korea’s Leader, but Might Need China to Reignite the Flame (Gift Article)President Trump has gotten no love back yet from Kim Jong-un. He could turn to Xi Jinping, China’s leader, to help set up a summit when Mr. Xi visits Washington next week.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Trump pushes ahead with a sale to Saudi Arabia of 48 F-35 fighter jets. The State Dept. announcement came one day after we reported that US intel agencies had warned about China possibly acquiring F-35 tech from Saudi Arabia. Gift link to @nytimes.com story: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/17/u...

nytimes.comTrump Moves Ahead With F-35 Jet Sales to Saudi Arabia Despite Intelligence Concerns (Gift Article)U.S. intelligence agencies have warned in internal reports that China could acquire or steal U.S. warplane technology if F-35 jets are sent to Saudi Arabia.

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: US intelligence reports warn China could acquire US warplane technology if Trump continues with his F-35 jet sales to Saudi Arabia. The Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency has raised concerns about China's military partnership with the Saudis. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/u...

nytimes.comU.S. Intelligence Warns of China Theft Over Sale of F-35 Jets to Saudis (Gift Article)Internal reports, including one from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, say China could acquire U.S. jet technology through spying or cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: US intelligence reports warn China could acquire US warplane technology if Trump continues with his F-35 jet sales to Saudi Arabia. The Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency has raised concerns about China's military partnership with the Saudis. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/u...

nytimes.comU.S. Intelligence Warns of China Theft Over Sale of F-35 Jets to Saudis (Gift Article)Internal reports, including one from the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency, say China could acquire U.S. jet technology through spying or cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Trump says dismantling transnational gangs is a priority. But politics is crippling cooperation with Brazil. The State Dept. is withholding visas to 2 Brazilian federal police officers moving to Miami & New York. The US has also canceled agent visits. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/12/w...

nytimes.comA Visa Dispute Is Threatening a U.S.-Brazil Effort to Fight Crime (Gift Article)Officials say the Trump administration is blocking some of Brazil’s efforts to expand cooperation on fighting transnational crime.

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Nate Hochman was fired from the DeSantis campaign in 2023 after promoting a video with the Sonnenrad, a Nazi symbol embraced by white supremacists. He now works in Rubio's State Department, as deputy director of policy planning and chief speechwriter. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/06/u...

nytimes.comFor Fired DeSantis Campaign Staff Member, a Second Chance at State Dept. (Gift Article)The hiring of Nate Hochman, who lost his job amid an uproar over a video containing a Nazi symbol, underscores the administration’s willingness to overlook past transgressions.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Nate Hochman was fired from the DeSantis campaign in 2023 after promoting a video with the Sonnenrad, a Nazi symbol embraced by white supremacists. He now works in Rubio's State Department, as deputy director of policy planning and chief speechwriter. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/06/u...

nytimes.comFor Fired DeSantis Campaign Staff Member, a Second Chance at State Dept. (Gift Article)The hiring of Nate Hochman, who lost his job amid an uproar over a video containing a Nazi symbol, underscores the administration’s willingness to overlook past transgressions.

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: In a White House meeting this spring, Rubio brought up Alejandro Betancourt as an oil partner in Venezuela. Then US officials pressed Switzerland and UK to ease or drop travel restrictions and investigations into him. UK was reluctant but agreed. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/w...

nytimes.comAlejandro Betancourt, Trump’s Partner in Venezuelan Oil Deal, Has Faced Investigations (Gift Article)Alejandro Betancourt has been targeted by multiple investigations. Now he’s the U.S. government’s unrivaled partner in President Trump’s bid to control Venezuelan oil resources.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: In a White House meeting this spring, Rubio brought up Alejandro Betancourt as an oil partner in Venezuela. Then US officials pressed Switzerland and UK to ease or drop travel restrictions and investigations into him. UK was reluctant but agreed. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/04/w...

nytimes.comAlejandro Betancourt, Trump’s Partner in Venezuelan Oil Deal, Has Faced Investigations (Gift Article)Alejandro Betancourt has been targeted by multiple investigations. Now he’s the U.S. government’s unrivaled partner in President Trump’s bid to control Venezuelan oil resources.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: The Biden administration created the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital to make loans to boost the US defense industry. Under Trump, it has demanded equity options from companies in return. And now it's diving into Venezuelan oil. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/u...

nytimes.comHow the Pentagon Is Getting Into the Venezuelan Oil Business Under Trump (Gift Article)The Defense Department’s Office of Strategic Capital, founded by the Biden administration to give loans to bolster the U.S. defense industry, is helping lead President Trump’s oil deal.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: After toppling Maduro, Trump and Rubio aimed to get Venezuelan oil through Alejandro Betancourt, a polarizing businessman. He has been under investigation by Swiss officials for years. State Dept. pressed Switzerland and the UK to ease up on him. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/08/29/b...

nytimes.comTrump’s Venezuelan Oil Deal Relies on a Powerful and Divisive Partner (Gift Article)The administration will work with a private Venezuelan oil company that has close ties to the country’s government.

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

The New York Times reported Monday on the global pause in immigrant visa interviews at US embassies and consulates. A new legal filing cites that story and challenges the State Department's rationale for the worldwide pause. Gift link to the NYT story: www.nytimes.com/2026/08/24/u...

nytimes.comTrump Administration to Target Visas of Up To 200,000 Foreign Citizens Applying for Asylum (Gift Article)The State Department, in a move that could affect as many as 200,000 visa holders and asylum applicants, has begun its review. Cancellations could occur in waves.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

The New York Times reported Monday on the global pause in immigrant visa interviews at US embassies and consulates. A new legal filing cites that story and challenges the State Department's rationale for the worldwide pause. Gift link to the NYT story: www.nytimes.com/2026/08/24/u...

nytimes.comTrump Administration to Target Visas of Up To 200,000 Foreign Citizens Applying for Asylum (Gift Article)The State Department, in a move that could affect as many as 200,000 visa holders and asylum applicants, has begun its review. Cancellations could occur in waves.

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Don't call it World War III — yet. But Ukraine's strike on an Iranian ship shows how the two wars could merge into one dire conflict across Eurasia and the Middle East. Zelensky talks about common elements of both wars, and he met with Trump this week. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/31/u...

nytimes.comUkraine’s Strike on Iranian Ship Shows How Two Wars Could Spiral (Gift Article)Iran sent military aid to Russia for its war against Ukraine. Now the question is whether that conflict and the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran are converging.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Don't call it World War III — yet. But Ukraine's strike on an Iranian ship shows how the two wars could merge into one dire conflict across Eurasia and the Middle East. Zelensky talks about common elements of both wars, and he met with Trump this week. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/31/u...

nytimes.comUkraine’s Strike on Iranian Ship Shows How Two Wars Could Spiral (Gift Article)Iran sent military aid to Russia for its war against Ukraine. Now the question is whether that conflict and the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran are converging.

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, pushes Uruguay to take Cuban deportees from the US. Uruguay is small but has a sizable Cuban population. Meanwhile, Rubio and Trump are hammering the Cuban economy with an oil blockade, igniting more migration. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/29/u...

nytimes.comAs Trump Squeezes Cuba, He Plans to Send Cuban Deportees to Uruguay (Gift Article)The State Department under Secretary of State Marco Rubio has deported Cubans to Africa. Now it’s negotiating with a South American country.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, pushes Uruguay to take Cuban deportees from the US. Uruguay is small but has a sizable Cuban population. Meanwhile, Rubio and Trump are hammering the Cuban economy with an oil blockade, igniting more migration. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/29/u...

nytimes.comAs Trump Squeezes Cuba, He Plans to Send Cuban Deportees to Uruguay (Gift Article)The State Department under Secretary of State Marco Rubio has deported Cubans to Africa. Now it’s negotiating with a South American country.

Edward Wong reposted

Aaron Rupar
@atrupar.com

Q: You argue that Iran violated the MOU. But isn't the MOU flawed since it explicitly acknowledges Iran has power in the Strait of Hormuz? MARCO RUBIO: That's certainly not the way we interpreted it

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Trump has reached a deal with Crown Prince MBS of Saudi Arabia on U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear cooperation. Some US lawmakers and Israeli officials oppose it because they fear the prince will make nuclear weapons. He has vowed to do that if Iran does so. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/u...

nytimes.comSaudis Reach Deal With U.S. That Could Let Them Enrich Nuclear Fuel (Gift Article)U.S. lawmakers and Israeli officials have expressed opposition to such a plan, to be announced Wednesday, fearing that the kingdom could use a civilian nuclear project to develop nuclear weapons.

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Trump accused China of election interference. But he is still pursuing a deeper bond with Xi Jinping, the autocrat he calls a "good friend." The White House plans to host Xi in Sept. Rubio expects to discuss that with top diplomat Wang Yi in Manila. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/u...

nytimes.comTrump Pursues a Deeper Bond With China’s Leader, Despite Hostile Speech (Gift Article)Chinese officials appear to think that President Trump’s accusations that China interfered in the 2020 U.S. elections were driven by domestic politics, not foreign policy.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Trump accused China of election interference. But he is still pursuing a deeper bond with Xi Jinping, the autocrat he calls a "good friend." The White House plans to host Xi in Sept. Rubio expects to discuss that with top diplomat Wang Yi in Manila. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/u...

nytimes.comTrump Pursues a Deeper Bond With China’s Leader, Despite Hostile Speech (Gift Article)Chinese officials appear to think that President Trump’s accusations that China interfered in the 2020 U.S. elections were driven by domestic politics, not foreign policy.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

Our story on how Trump failed to secure the Strait of Hormuz is the lead article on the NYT print front page. Trump conceded power in the strait to Iran in his June agreement. Now Iran is attacking ships on a route that the US military tried to establish. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/u...

Edward Wong reposted

Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Trump's flawed diplomacy failed to secure the Strait of Hormuz. For 2 months, the US Navy was quietly guiding tankers in the strait. But the June agreement signed by Trump has helped end that — it formalizes Iran's power, and Tehran is attacking ships. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/u...

nytimes.comHow Trump Failed to Secure the Strait of Hormuz in His Iran Deal (Gift Article)President Trump signed an agreement that Iran said gave it control of the waterway — and global energy supplies. Now, Iran’s military is violently asserting authority.

Edward Wong reposted

Kyle Griffin
@kylegriffin1.bsky.social

MS NOW: Two Atlanta-based FBI intelligence analysts were fired last week after refusing to participate in the Trump admin's investigation of Georgia's 2020 election. The analysts told colleagues they did not believe the investigation was justified under FBI and DOJ policies.

ms.nowFBI analysts fired after refusing to join Georgia 2020 election probeThe analysts, a husband and wife, told colleagues they did not believe the Trump administration’s investigation was justified, sources told MS NOW.
Edward Wong
@ewong.bsky.social

NEW: Trump's flawed diplomacy failed to secure the Strait of Hormuz. For 2 months, the US Navy was quietly guiding tankers in the strait. But the June agreement signed by Trump has helped end that — it formalizes Iran's power, and Tehran is attacking ships. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/u...

nytimes.comHow Trump Failed to Secure the Strait of Hormuz in His Iran Deal (Gift Article)President Trump signed an agreement that Iran said gave it control of the waterway — and global energy supplies. Now, Iran’s military is violently asserting authority.