Joaquin Castro, a prominent U.S. Congress member representing Texas’ 20th district since 2013, has been actively participating in political discussions about national security and foreign relations. In a series of tweets on April 23, 2025, he criticized various changes proposed by the Trump Administration. He highlighted the implications of these changes on the State Department and, consequently, U.S. foreign policy and security interests.
On April 23, 2025, Castro expressed concern about the Trump Administration’s proposed State Department cuts, stating that such measures do not contribute to a safer, stronger, or more prosperous nation. He emphasized that these changes undermine American values and diminish its leadership status. Additionally, he pointed out the lack of consultation with Congress, which is contrary to legal requirements. (“The Trump Administration’s proposed State Department cuts do not make us safer, stronger, or more prosperous. This plan undermines our values and diminishes our role as a leader among nations. They have also been proposed without any consultation with the Congress, as required”)
In a subsequent tweet, Castro criticized the reorganization plan for its negative impact on national security, human rights, and life-saving efforts. He stressed that these areas are critical to maintaining the United States’ standing as a reliable ally and leader. He accused the Administration of failing to enhance America’s reliability in international affairs. (“The proposed reorganization plan attacks critical work we do to advance our national security, protect human rights, and save lives. These efforts have long underpinned our strength as a leader and an ally, and the Administration continues to only make America less reliable on”)
In another tweet, Castro compared the United States’ diplomatic spending to China’s, noting that China is increasing its diplomacy budget by over 8 percent this year. He highlighted that China has consistently increased its budget and now possesses more diplomatic missions than the United States. Castro argued that the U.S. should respond by investing more in diplomacy, rather than making arbitrary cuts. (“This year, China will increase its budget for diplomacy by over 8 percent. This has followed year after year of similar increases. China now has more diplomatic missions than the United States. Our response must be to better resource diplomacy — not make haphazard and”)
Joaquin Castro has served in Congress since 2013, following ten years in the Texas House of Representatives. Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1974, he completed his undergraduate education at Stanford University and earned a JD from Harvard University.
