By Tiffany Williams –
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Departments of State and Health and Human Services on Monday released a joint statement emphasizing that American public health and regulatory decisions should be guided by U.S. institutions, while also announcing new actions involving Nicaragua, Sudan and diplomatic engagement in Southeast Asia.
In a joint statement on public health policy, the departments said the United States remains committed to protecting public health through scientific review, transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
The statement said international organizations can contribute to scientific discussions but argued that their conclusions should not automatically be considered definitive in the United States.
According to the statement, concerns have been raised in recent years regarding certain cancer hazard assessments issued by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The administration said some international assessments have created public confusion and policy outcomes that it believes do not always reflect real-world exposure or current scientific standards.
The statement also emphasized what it described as an America First approach to public health.
“The United States remains committed to protecting the public health of Americans through sound science, transparency, and rigorous independent review.”
The statement added that U.S. agencies possess significant scientific expertise and should remain the primary authorities responsible for evaluating health and safety risks affecting Americans.
Separately Monday, the administration announced additional visa restrictions targeting officials associated with the government of Nicaragua.
The State Department said the action follows the death of political prisoner Brooklyn Rivera and cited allegations that government officials were involved in denying medical care and preventing Rivera’s family from burying his remains.
According to the administration, visa restrictions are being imposed on more than 100 additional officials and family members connected to the government led by Rosario Murillo and Daniel Ortega.
Officials said the latest action brings the total number of Nicaraguan officials and family members subject to visa restriction actions to more than 2,350.
“The United States stands with the Nicaraguan people who, like Rivera, aspire to see a free Nicaragua.”
The administration said the action was taken pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 10309, which authorizes restrictions on individuals connected to policies or actions viewed as undermining democratic institutions in Nicaragua.
The State Department also joined a multinational statement regarding Sudan following consultations held in Addis Ababa from June 3 through June 5.
The statement was issued jointly by the United States, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States and the United Nations.
The participating governments and organizations expressed concern about the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan and reaffirmed support for a civilian-led political process.
The statement called for a humanitarian truce leading to a permanent ceasefire and endorsed continued efforts to establish what participants described as an inclusive civilian-led transition.
“We stand united in our belief that there can be no military solution to this crisis, and that a sustainable resolution must be rooted in an inclusive, civilian-led political process that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.”
The statement also expressed support for preparations for a comprehensive Sudanese civilian dialogue process expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Officials said the proposed dialogue would include civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth representatives and other stakeholders representing Sudan’s geographic and social diversity.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro on June 5.
According to a State Department readout, the two officials discussed economic and security priorities, including the Philippines’ role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and efforts involving the South China Sea.
The department said Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for development of the Luzon Economic Corridor and discussed regional energy issues.
The readout also noted that the United States and the Philippines are commemorating 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as treaty allies during 2026.
In a separate announcement, the State Department said Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau is traveling to Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia from June 6 through June 13.
The trip marks Landau’s first official visit to Southeast Asia since becoming deputy secretary.
According to the department, meetings will focus on regional security, economic cooperation, technology, transnational crime and relationships with member nations of ASEAN.
Officials said the trip is intended to reinforce U.S. engagement throughout Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region while promoting economic and strategic partnerships.
The announcements reflect a broad range of administration priorities, including public health policy, international sanctions, conflict diplomacy, alliance management and economic engagement across key regions of the world.