WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)-President Trump commended Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday for the State Department’s handling of efforts to evacuate thousands of U.S. citizens from countries across the Middle East amid the ongoing regional conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

In a statement posted on Truth Social and widely shared on X, Trump highlighted the operation’s progress, describing it as being conducted “quietly, but seamlessly.”

“We are moving thousands of people out of various Countries throughout the Middle East. It is being done quietly, but seamlessly. The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, is doing a great job!” Trump wrote.

He added a personal note: “Thank you Marco! 🇺🇸”

The praise comes as Rubio has reported that nearly 9,000 Americans have departed the region since hostilities escalated, with around 1,500 more requesting assistance. The State Department has coordinated charter flights, military options, and expanded commercial travel amid airspace disruptions and safety concerns.

Rubio has maintained that American citizen safety is the administration’s top priority, operating a 24/7 task force to support departures while urging citizens to register via the department’s website.

Trump’s comments contrast with earlier criticisms from some Democrats and reports of stranded Americans facing challenges, including initial guidance that emphasized commercial options over direct government-assisted evacuations in certain areas.

The evacuations follow urgent U.S. travel advisories for more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries, citing risks from the conflict, retaliatory attacks, and embassy drawdowns.