Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Omar Bula Escobar, sent a letter to leaders and members of the U.S. Democratic Party apologizing for social media posts he had published about Democratic officials before his appointment as foreign minister. The letter, dated November 10 and made public Wednesday, comes one week after the November 3 midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress.

In the letter, Bula acknowledged that the language used in those posts was “inappropriate and disrespectful” and expressed regret for any offense he may have caused. He explained that the comments were written long before he took office, during a presidential election campaign. While that context helps explain the circumstances, he said, it does not diminish his responsibility. He added that his views have evolved and that the remarks do not reflect either his current positions or those of President Abelardo De la Espriella’s administration.

The foreign minister emphasized that Colombia considers strong, constructive relationships with both the Democratic and Republican parties essential to its partnership with the United States. He recalled that since taking office on August 7, he has publicly advocated a bipartisan approach to bilateral relations. He also attached social media posts that, he said, demonstrate that commitment. Bula acknowledged the contributions of Democratic leaders to the friendship between the two countries and welcomed the opportunity to continue building on that foundation.

Bula further stated that the U.S.–Colombia relationship “deserves continuity and care” and should be grounded in mutual respect and bipartisanship, regardless of electoral cycles. As foreign minister, he said, he has a responsibility to represent Colombia with respect, openness, and a commitment to constructive dialogue, listen to international counterparts, and advance the shared interests of both nations.

The letter comes as the incoming Democratic majority prepares to take office in Congress in January. The new majority will have greater authority to oversee Washington’s policies toward Latin America and budget allocations for bilateral cooperation.

DIPLOMACY: Analysts Expect Greater Congressional Oversight of U.S. Policy Toward Latin America

An Associated Press (AP) analysis drawing on the views of Latin American policy specialists suggests that the Democratic Party’s victory in the U.S. midterm elections could reshape President Donald Trump’s foreign policy toward Latin America during the final two years of his term. Although the administration is expected to maintain its principal regional priorities, experts believe Democratic control of both chambers of Congress could increase oversight of decisions involving immigration, security, trade, and diplomatic relations, without necessarily producing immediate policy changes.

On immigration, Trump has signaled possible adjustments to his deportation strategy while reiterating his commitment to strict enforcement. The appointment of Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff suggests continuity in this agenda, given his role in developing the administration’s major immigration policies. However, the new Democratic majority could launch investigations into detention and deportation procedures and seek restrictions on certain federal operations.

On security, Mexican analyst David Saucedo believes Washington could intensify pressure on Mexico to increase arrests and extraditions of members of criminal organizations. Military cooperation with Latin American countries is also expected to continue through the “Shield of the Americas” initiative. Nevertheless, U.S. operations targeting vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific, which have left at least 240 people dead, could face greater congressional scrutiny amid Democratic concerns about their legality.

Regarding Venezuela, Democratic lawmakers have proposed investigating oil agreements between Washington and Caracas, particularly to determine who has benefited from those arrangements. Christopher Sabatini, a researcher at Chatham House, anticipates possible congressional hearings and stronger demands for elections in Venezuela. However, he believes disagreements between Democrats and opposition leader María Corina Machado could complicate efforts to coordinate political initiatives.

In Cuba’s case, analysts consulted by AP expect U.S. pressure to continue, particularly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against the island following the elections. Although some specialists consider military intervention unlikely because of its risks and complexity, they do not entirely rule it out. Meanwhile, Brazil, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, could serve as a regional counterweight, while Mexico is expected to maintain a relationship of cooperation and negotiation with Washington.

On economic policy, Mariana Aparicio, a specialist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, believes U.S. voters’ concerns about inflation could encourage adjustments to certain trade measures. However, she expects Trump to continue using tariffs as a negotiating tool. Mexico’s Economy Secretary, Marcelo Ebrard, said tariffs are unlikely to change significantly, although the new Congress could introduce adjustments to the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Analysts also expect Washington to maintain economic support for allied governments in the region, although they consider another large-scale financial assistance package, such as the $20 billion in support provided to Argentina in late 2025, less likely.

DIPLOMACY: Washington Prepares Meetings With Putin and Zelensky Following Russia–Ukraine Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are scheduled to travel to Moscow on Thursday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin following two days of negotiations among Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Abu Dhabi. The two representatives will subsequently travel to Dublin for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to review the proposals discussed and explore potential progress toward an agreement to end the war.

The principal outcome of the negotiations was a preliminary agreement on a large-scale prisoner exchange, which Kushner described as the largest since the conflict began. The heads of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, Vladimir Medinsky and Rustem Umerov, confirmed the understanding, although final figures have yet to be established. Zelensky had previously indicated that the parties were discussing an exchange of 1,000 prisoners each, a figure that could rise to 1,500.

Regarding the negotiations, Kushner explained that the upcoming meetings with Putin and Zelensky would allow the parties to explore the issues discussed in Abu Dhabi in greater depth. Ukrainian representative David Arakhamia described the talks as constructive and expressed hope that a resolution could be reached before the end of the year. Medinsky, however, said significant differences remained and questioned the participation of European representatives, with whom the Russian delegation held no direct discussions.

Despite the humanitarian agreement, the negotiations concluded without concrete progress on the main territorial and security disputes. Moscow continues to demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donetsk, a condition Kyiv rejects. Ukraine is also seeking international security guarantees, including the financial support necessary to sustain its military capabilities.

Russia continues to oppose an immediate ceasefire without broader security agreements, while Zelensky maintains that territorial decisions should be addressed directly by the leaders of both countries.

The Abu Dhabi talks marked the first direct meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in nine months, following negotiations held in Geneva in February. Although both sides agreed to maintain dialogue, disagreements persist over Europe’s role in the negotiations and the conditions required for a potential settlement. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the meetings as “very productive” while acknowledging that progress toward ending the war would take more time.

Military operations continued during the negotiations. Ukrainian authorities reported Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and urban areas, including strikes against electrical substations and communities in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv that injured several civilians. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting hundreds of Ukrainian drones, while regional authorities reported damage to oil facilities.

These developments coincided with Washington’s diplomatic efforts to narrow the differences between Moscow and Kyiv, whose principal disagreements remain unresolved.

POLITICS: White House Warns Democrats of Potential Legal Consequences Over Investigations Into Trump Administration

The White House warned Democrats that some planned investigations into President Donald Trump’s administration could constitute criminal conduct if they exceed Congress’s oversight authority. The warning came in a letter from presidential legal adviser Will Scharf to Democratic Representative Robert Garcia, who is expected to become chair of the House Oversight Committee.

In the letter, Scharf argued that threats against executive branch officials intended to discourage them from performing their duties, as well as proceedings designed solely to intimidate or harm them, could constitute “outright criminal conduct.”

The warning followed previous remarks by Garcia, who said after the election results that Trump administration officials should prepare for investigations and seek legal counsel. According to Scharf, congressional investigative powers must serve legitimate legislative purposes rather than be used to intimidate or pressure government officials.

Garcia rejected the White House’s assertions, arguing that Congress does not require authorization from the executive branch to exercise its oversight responsibilities. He maintained that investigative authority is part of the legislative branch’s constitutional powers and said the election results reflected, in his view, public support for efforts to investigate potential corruption and abuses of power. Garcia also questioned the White House’s warning, suggesting that the administration might be attempting to avoid scrutiny of its actions.

Among the investigations Democrats are preparing are inquiries into President Trump’s and his family’s financial activities, particularly the increase in their wealth since his return to the White House. Other potential investigations involve the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, White House construction projects, and the involvement of presidential family members in minerals-related agreements.

Lawmakers also intend to examine cryptocurrency transactions and business activities associated with special envoy Steve Witkoff. Trump and his administration have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Amid the dispute, Attorney General Todd Blanche initially suggested that certain Democratic statements could justify a criminal investigation if they amounted to threats against federal officials. He subsequently acknowledged Congress’s standing oversight powers and said the Justice Department would continue cooperating with legislative requests, including subpoenas and demands for information.

The controversy foreshadows potential institutional disputes between the White House and the incoming Democratic majority, which will have the authority to hold hearings, request documents, and scrutinize executive branch actions during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.

POLITICS: Interior Department Proposes Selling Federal Land to States and Local Governments

President Donald Trump’s administration has introduced a plan to sell federally owned land to state governments, local authorities, and Native American communities as part of an effort to reduce the amount of land owned by the federal government.

The proposal, included in the Department of the Interior’s 2026–2030 strategic plan, seeks to focus federal resources on managing land considered nationally significant. However, officials have not yet identified which properties could be sold, where they are located, or the total acreage potentially involved.

The document also outlines land transfers and exchanges intended to facilitate energy production projects, particularly fossil fuel development. According to the Interior Department, these measures would help reorganize land management and expand economic use.

The proposal is part of the Trump administration’s broader priorities to increase domestic energy production and reduce federal involvement in certain economic activities.

The Interior Department currently manages more than 1.9 million square kilometers of federal land, an area larger than Texas and California combined, along with substantial underground mineral reserves.

Most of this land is concentrated in western states, where the federal government owns a significant share of the territory. In Nevada, for example, approximately 80% of the state’s land is federally controlled, prompting debate over access to land for housing, infrastructure, and economic development.

The initiative has drawn criticism from lawmakers in both parties. Republican Representative Ryan Zinke, who served as interior secretary during Trump’s first term, expressed opposition to selling or transferring public land and pledged to vote against legislation authorizing such measures. Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich likewise argued that federal land should remain publicly owned and said he would oppose privatization efforts.

The proposal revisits earlier Republican-backed initiatives to sell land in Utah and Nevada to generate government revenue and facilitate urban growth. In 2025, Senator Mike Lee proposed selling more than 8,000 square kilometers of federal land, but the initiative failed amid opposition from Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

The new plan also provides that some proceeds from land sales could be directed toward conservation projects elsewhere.

Implementation will depend on the Interior Department’s existing authority and potential congressional cooperation, leaving uncertainty about the proposal’s ultimate scope.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will need to determine the administrative and legislative mechanisms required to advance the measures as disagreements continue between advocates of greater state involvement in land management and supporters of continued federal ownership.

The strategic plan establishes the agency’s priorities through 2030 but will not be binding on future administrations.

POLITICS:. Federal Judge Allows Trump’s Defamation Lawsuit Against BBC to Proceed

A federal judge in Florida has allowed President Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to proceed. The case concerns the editing of a speech Trump delivered before the January 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Judge Jeffrey Kuntz on Tuesday rejected the BBC’s motion to dismiss the defamation claim but dismissed a second allegation based on a Florida law governing unfair trade practices.

The lawsuit, filed in December 2025, originally sought $10 billion in damages, with $5 billion attached to each claim. The ruling therefore reduced the amount at issue by half.

The dispute arose from a documentary titled Trump: A Second Chance?, broadcast ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The program combined excerpts from different sections of Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech.

According to the lawsuit, the editing created the impression that Trump had directly encouraged his supporters to engage in violence during the Capitol attack. The BBC acknowledged that combining the statements was misleading and issued a public apology but denied committing defamation.

In his ruling, Kuntz determined that Trump’s arguments were sufficient for the legal proceedings to continue. However, he clarified that the court had not yet established whether defamation occurred or whether damages were warranted.

The controversy also prompted the resignations of the BBC’s director-general and its top news executive. Trump described the ruling as a victory against the British broadcaster and reiterated his criticism of its coverage of his administration.

The case will proceed through evidence gathering and testimony. The schedule could change if the discovery period is extended, while the BBC must formally respond to the defamation allegation by December 1.

The ruling keeps the litigation active without establishing legal liability.

POLITICS: Biden Says He Would Have Ended His 2024 Presidential Campaign Earlier Had He Known About Cancer Diagnosis

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, 83, said he would have withdrawn from his 2024 reelection campaign earlier if he had known he had prostate cancer.

In an interview published Wednesday, Biden explained that he was unaware of the disease while serving in the White House. The cancer was diagnosed in May 2025, several months after he left office.

Biden said he would not have continued his candidacy had he known about his medical condition, arguing that an 80-year-old person with cancer should not seek the presidency.

The former president reflected on his withdrawal from the race in July 2024, when he faced mounting pressure within the Democratic Party over concerns about his age and ability to serve a second term.

Those concerns intensified following his June presidential debate against Donald Trump, during which Biden struggled to answer some questions. However, Biden downplayed his performance and said he did not believe the episode had been decisive.

He also rejected allegations that he had concealed information about his health during his presidency, insisting that he had been unaware of the disease. Biden maintained that he considered himself the most qualified person for the office at the time, despite questions about his age.

After withdrawing from the campaign, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who subsequently lost to Trump in the November 2024 presidential election.

Regarding his current health, Biden explained that he has stage 4 prostate cancer that has spread to his bones and that he has completed radiation therapy. He is currently receiving hormone therapy and said recent medical tests have produced encouraging results, with no evidence of further disease progression.

The former president said he feels well and remains capable of carrying out his activities, although he acknowledged that treatment has imposed some limitations on his daily routine.

His remarks come ahead of the November 17 publication of his new memoir, Promise Me, America. The book addresses decisions made during his presidency, including his withdrawal from the 2024 election, and reiterates that he was unaware of his cancer diagnosis while in office.

Biden also acknowledged that his health would limit his participation in public events and travel associated with promoting the book.

SECURITY: Colombia Presents U.S. With Report Identifying 29,062 Members of Illegal Armed Groups

Colombia’s Armed Forces presented U.S. officials with a report detailing the presence and composition of illegal armed groups operating throughout the country during a meeting Tuesday in Bogotá between Colombian Armed Forces Commander General Erik Rodríguez and U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.

The report, titled Enemy Count, identifies 29,062 individuals associated with armed organizations across 165 structures, based on figures through July 2026. The presentation included maps showing their geographic distribution and operational capabilities.

According to the report, dissident factions of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the Gulf Clan, and the National Liberation Army (ELN) account for most of those identified. The figures include armed combatants as well as members of support networks and criminal structures.

The assessment also covers the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada, commonly known as Los Pachenca.

The Gulf Clan accounts for 35.3% of the total, with six principal structures and 39 substructures. Of its 10,268 members, 3,617 are classified as armed combatants, while 6,651 belong to specialized criminal components primarily involved in logistical, financial, and territorial support activities.

Maps presented to the U.S. delegation identify concentrations of the organization in Córdoba, Sucre, Bolívar, Antioquia, and Chocó, departments connected to strategic corridors linking Colombia’s Caribbean and Pacific regions.

The ELN has 7,230 members and the largest number of organizational structures, with 64 identified units, including war fronts, guerrilla fronts, companies, and urban cells.

Its membership includes 3,568 armed combatants, 3,388 members of support networks, and 274 individuals associated with urban components.

According to military intelligence, the ELN’s presence is concentrated primarily in Norte de Santander and Arauca, departments bordering Venezuela, although the group also operates in other parts of Colombia.

Former FARC dissident groups total 10,569 members, including 6,804 armed combatants and 3,765 individuals belonging to support networks.

The faction led by the individual known as “Iván Mordisco” is the largest, with 4,511 members, followed by the structure associated with “Calarcá,” with 3,002.

Other organizations include the Coordinadora Nacional Ejército Bolivariano, with 2,463 members, and Segunda Marquetalia, with 593.

Collectively, these organizations maintain a presence in Cauca, Nariño, Valle del Cauca, Meta, Guaviare, Caquetá, and Putumayo.

The report also identifies Los Pachenca as an organization with 743 members distributed across four fronts. Of these, 421 are classified as armed combatants and 322 as members of criminal components. The group’s activities are concentrated in areas near the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

The geographic assessment presented by Colombia’s Armed Forces identifies the main operational areas of illegal organizations and their presence along border corridors, drug trafficking routes, and regions affected by illicit economies.

The presentation took place during General Caine’s visit to Colombia as part of the U.S.-backed “Shield of the Americas” initiative, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation against organized crime.

The bilateral agenda included intelligence sharing, border security, and coordination of operations targeting organizations linked to drug trafficking.

Following the meeting, Colombian military officials emphasized both countries’ commitment to strengthening their land, air, maritime, and riverine capabilities, as well as cooperation mechanisms to address transnational threats.

SECURITY:; U.S. Treasury Secretary Relocates to Military Base Amid Alleged Threats From Iran

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has relocated from his Washington residence to a military base following alleged threats against his life attributed to Iran, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke Tuesday.

The move comes as Bessent leads Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Tehran, including financial sanctions and trade restrictions intended to limit the Iranian government’s resources during the war in the Middle East.

According to the sources, U.S. intelligence agencies have identified an increase in alleged Iranian threats against current and former administration officials.

In October, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton warned that Tehran had intensified efforts to target U.S. citizens in the Middle East and other regions.

Intelligence assessments suggest that some potential plots may have reached more advanced stages, although the severity of the specific threats against Bessent has not been disclosed.

The relocation also follows additional measures by Washington to protect diplomatic and military personnel in the Middle East.

In October, the U.S. government ordered nonessential personnel and their families to leave the embassy in Saudi Arabia following an increase in attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

Iranian authorities have previously denied preparing attacks against U.S. officials or citizens on American soil.

The situation coincides with diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and the continuation of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that Washington’s financial pressure could reduce the need for further military operations.

A Treasury Department spokesperson said Bessent would remain committed to the administration’s economic pressure strategy against Tehran despite the reported threats.

SECURITY: Brooklyn Building Collapse Leaves at Least One Dead and Ten Injured

A three-story building partially collapsed Wednesday afternoon in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood, killing at least one person and injuring ten others, according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).

The collapse occurred shortly after 4 p.m. local time near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Bedford Avenue, a predominantly residential area.

The FDNY launched a large-scale technical rescue operation, with dozens of firefighters removing debris by hand as they searched for people potentially trapped beneath the rubble.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that one person died at the scene. According to the FDNY, four people sustained serious injuries and six suffered minor injuries.

The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, including Kings County Hospital.

During the initial hours of the emergency response, authorities reported that at least one person remained trapped under the debris. The number of people still missing has not been confirmed.

The building housed a commercial establishment on the ground floor and at least one apartment on the upper floors.

It stood next to a construction site where a single-story building had been demolished and excavation work was underway. Part of the collapsed structure fell into the construction pit.

An adjacent building that shared a wall with the damaged property remained standing but was left with an exposed facade.

New York City’s Department of Buildings deployed inspectors to support rescue efforts and assess the structural stability of nearby properties. Authorities have not officially determined the cause of the collapse or whether it was connected to construction work at the adjacent site. The NYPD urged people to avoid the area and announced road closures.

City Council Member Farah Louis said she remained in direct contact with FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore to monitor the emergency response.

SECURITY: United States Withdraws From FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar Over Middle East Security Concerns

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced Wednesday that its men’s under-17 national team will not participate in the FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 through December 13.

The federation informed players and their families of the decision in a letter explaining that both the pre-tournament training camp and participation in the championship had been canceled.

U.S. Soccer reiterated that the safety and well-being of players and coaching staff remain its highest priority. FIFA was notified of the decision the same day.

The withdrawal comes eight days before the tournament’s scheduled start and reflects concerns about regional security.

On October 23, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar, recommending that American citizens reconsider travel to the country because of the risk of armed conflict.

The advisory cited attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels against neighboring Saudi Arabia. The federation’s letter also referenced existing guidance for U.S. embassy personnel and their families.

The United States was among 48 teams qualified for the tournament and had been drawn into a group alongside Montenegro, Chile, and Algeria. Head coach Alex Aldaz had announced a 21-player roster the previous week.

FIFA has not yet commented on the withdrawal or indicated whether another national team will replace the United States.

The U-17 World Cup has been held annually since 2025, with FIFA selecting Qatar to host the editions from 2025 through 2029, taking advantage of infrastructure developed for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The withdrawal follows other sporting events in the region disrupted by the conflict that began in February with joint U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran.

These include the relocation of the WTA Finals from Saudi Arabia to Indian Wells, California; the cancellation of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah; and the rescheduling of the Bahrain race in Malaysia.

IMMIGRATION: Hispanic Democratic Lawmakers Seek Immigration Reform Deal With Trump

A group of Hispanic Democratic lawmakers said Wednesday that they intend to negotiate an immigration reform agreement with President Donald Trump, one week after midterm elections in which their party secured majorities in both chambers of Congress.

Senator Rubén Gallego, Congressman-elect Bobby Pulido, and Representatives Henry Cuellar, Vicente González, and Joaquín Castro met in Washington with members of the American Business Immigration Coalition Action (ABIC Action) and the South Texas Builders Association (STBA) to assess the political landscape following the elections.

The lawmakers said they would seek an agreement during the final weeks of the year, while Republicans still control Congress.

If negotiations fail, they plan to advance immigration reform beginning January 3, when the new Congress convenes.

The proposal seeks to improve conditions for millions of Latino immigrants who have lived and worked in the United States for decades without lawful immigration status.

Gallego said political leaders have a responsibility to protect as many Latino families as possible, potentially through an agreement with the president, and emphasized that there is still time to reach a deal.

Cuellar said he has been holding discussions with the administration about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and that Democrats are willing to cooperate if both sides demonstrate a willingness to negotiate.

The lawmakers acknowledged that Stephen Miller’s appointment as White House chief of staff creates a challenging political environment but insisted on the importance of pursuing negotiations.

The initiative follows recent comments by Trump, who acknowledged during an interview with 60 Minutes that his deportation policies may have been “too harsh” and had negatively affected him politically.

Trump also expressed willingness to negotiate an immigration agreement with Democrats, although he did not provide details about its potential scope.

Representing the business community, Benny Meléndez, vice president of the South Texas Builders Association, expressed confidence that the new Congress could introduce changes to U.S. immigration policy.

HEALTH: United States Could Lose Measles Elimination Status Amid Rising Infections

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is evaluating whether the United States should lose its measles elimination status, a designation the country has maintained since 2000 and that could be revoked following an increase in outbreaks nationwide.

An international expert committee is meeting in Washington through November 13 to review the epidemiological situation and determine whether there is evidence of sustained transmission of the virus.

PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa is expected to announce the final decision early next week.

The review includes reports submitted by PAHO’s 35 member states, with particular attention to the United States, Mexico, and Bolivia, which have experienced prolonged outbreaks.

To determine whether a country has lost elimination status, specialists must establish whether the same chain of measles transmission has remained active for at least 12 consecutive months.

The assessment considers epidemiological data, laboratory findings, vaccination coverage, and measures implemented to contain infections.

Since early 2025, the United States has recorded approximately 7,500 measles cases and 11 deaths, according to figures compiled from state and federal health authorities.

Infections during 2026 have more than doubled compared with the previous year, reaching their highest levels in more than three decades.

Among the outbreaks under review is one affecting Arizona and Utah that began in June 2025. Its duration could meet the criteria for determining that endemic measles transmission has been reestablished.

The increase in infections has also prompted scrutiny of the Trump administration’s vaccination policies.

Several public health specialists believe Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s positions on vaccines and certain changes to childhood immunization recommendations have contributed to growing distrust among segments of the population.

However, the Department of Health and Human Services maintains that national vaccination rates were already declining before Kennedy took office.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Erica Schwartz said the federal public health response would continue without substantial changes even if the United States loses its measles elimination status.

She explained that the agency continues coordinating with state authorities to control outbreaks, particularly in communities with low vaccination coverage.

Schwartz also reiterated that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the primary tool for preventing the disease.

The review follows Canada’s loss of measles elimination status in 2025, while Spain and the United Kingdom have also faced similar decisions by international health organizations.

In the United States, specialists such as Noel Brewer, a public health professor at the University of North Carolina, warn that persistent infections represent a significant public health challenge regardless of the outcome of the assessment.

Losing elimination status would indicate that sustained transmission of the virus has been reestablished within the United States, although the designation itself would not automatically change existing prevention measures.