WASHINGTON — The initial phase of Marco Rubio’s journey is behind him. The Senate has unanimously confirmed him as secretary of state, with both Democrats and Republicans acknowledging his skills and foresight.
However, the pivotal challenge now awaits him: securing the unwavering support of his boss, Donald Trump.
At 53, Rubio brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent 14 years in the Senate where he gained deep insights into U.S. foreign policy covering regions like the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. There are concerns that his traditional approach and his consistent hawkish stance on Russia, as well as his advocacy for NATO, may make him a target for Trump’s ire.
“Rubio is likely to face significant hurdles as he and the president work to define the role of American power,” remarked Thomas Shannon, a former U.S. diplomat who has collaborated extensively with Rubio in both the Obama and Trump administrations.
On Tuesday, the atmosphere was cordial as Rubio took the oath of office. Vice President JD Vance, a fellow senator, commended Rubio as both a friend and a “bipartisan solutions seeker.”
Rubio echoed Trump’s sentiments in his brief address, stating that every action taken by the government and the State Department should aim to strengthen, secure, or enhance prosperity for the nation.
“If it doesn’t contribute to any of these objectives, we will not proceed with it,” Rubio declared.
In his inaugural appearance at the State Department, he emphasized to staff that his role, along with theirs, would be to uphold and implement Trump’s “America First” agenda.
Rubio enjoys a good deal of support within Washington, with many hoping he can provide stability amid global turmoil. Conversations with over a dozen individuals, including lawmakers from both parties and former diplomats, consistently labeled him as a “responsible” figure to represent American interests globally, being a familiar face both at home and abroad.
Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, expressed confidence in Rubio’s ability to convey a consistent message globally. “He will articulate this message in a manner that is firm yet not alarming,” he noted, emphasizing that the aim isn’t to make other nations feel comfortable with the U.S., but to maintain a strong presence.
Rubio’s perspective is shaped by his background as the child of Cuban immigrants who emigrated to Miami in May 1956 in search of a better life. He highlighted this personal narrative during his Senate Foreign Relations Committee testimony last week. His father worked as a bartender while his mother was a hotel maid.
“I owe my birthright as a citizen of this remarkable nation to my parents,” he stated, reflecting on their sacrifices and dedication to their children’s futures.
Rubio’s compelling “only in America” story contributed significantly to his successful political career in Florida, where he moved from city commissioner to the state’s House of Representatives, ultimately becoming the first Cuban American to serve as Speaker of the Legislature.
Dan Gelber, a former Democratic leader who served alongside Rubio, emphasized the significance of the speaker role during Rubio’s tenure, which resonated with Cuban audiences. Despite their policy disagreements, Gelber valued Rubio’s respectful approach to governance.
Rubio’s ascent in politics continued in 2010 when he was elected to the Senate, riding a wave of outsider support. His inaugural speech in the Senate celebrated the “American miracle” that draws immigrants seeking better lives for their children.
He was part of a bipartisan group advocating for a citizenship pathway for undocumented immigrants, leading efforts on a comprehensive immigration bill that ultimately faltered in the House amidst conservative opposition.
In the years since, Rubio’s views on immigration have shifted closer to Trump’s stringent policies, especially as Trump reinstated aggressive deportation efforts and sought to limit immigration during his second term.
During his confirmation hearing, Rubio voiced a stark view of immigration, asserting that “despots and narco-terrorists” exploit “open borders” to exacerbate issues such as human trafficking and substance abuse.
This stark rhetoric aligns with Trump’s tough stance, and Rubio is dedicated to ensuring a cohesive public discourse that parallels the president’s approach while hoping to retain some of his mainstream ideology.
Senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii, remarked that while Rubio exhibits strong hawkish tendencies, he also embodies an internationalist perspective. He indicated that maintaining America’s pivotal role in global affairs would be the key dilemma for Rubio, especially with elements in Trump’s circle suggesting a need for the U.S. to diminish its leadership on the world stage.
Ultimately, it will be Trump who determines whether Rubio meets the standards of loyalty and alignment necessary to remain in his administration. Trump has previously dismissed cabinet members, such as former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, with little warning.
Rubio is no stranger to conflicts with Trump; the two engaged in a heated exchange during the 2016 Republican primaries. Rubio referred to Trump as a “con artist,” while Trump mockingly labeled him “little Marco.”
When asked about Rubio’s odds of succeeding in this role, Representative Michael McCaul, who recently chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee, acknowledged the volatility of the Trump administration but expressed belief in Rubio’s resilience.
