In an event that marks a significant shift in the U.S. foreign policy landscape, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with overseeing not just one, but two critical national security roles. This decision comes as President Donald Trump continues his comprehensive reform of the nation’s foreign policy strategies, making adjustments to traditional policies previously endorsed by Rubio, a former senator from Florida. This move also reshapes the structure of the executive branch.
Rubio’s appointment as acting national security adviser, succeeding Mike Waltz who faced removal rumors, marks the first major leadership transition in Trump’s newly inaugurated administration. Waltz had recently stirred controversy after accidentally including a journalist in a Signal group chat meant for confidential discussions among national security officials regarding sensitive military strategies.
Now just over 100 days into his tenure as America’s leading diplomat, Rubio steps into a dual role — a rare occurrence only previously achieved by the late Henry Kissinger under Presidents Nixon and Ford during the 1970s. Rubio, initially a rival of Trump, has adeptly aligned himself with the “America First” policy focus of the current administration, revising his stance on foreign aid and democracy promotion to prioritize national interests.
Rubio’s leadership during Trump’s massive reforms
Rubio’s confirmation was unanimous in the Senate, resulting in a sweeping reorganization of the State Department under his guidance. This involved downsizing the U.S. Agency for International Development and implementing a 15% cut to domestic job positions, while also planning the closure or consolidation of numerous global bureaus. Furthermore, Rubio initiated significant changes to the visa system, which has affected possibly thousands of visas issued to foreign students.
He has spearheaded negotiations for agreements to extradite immigrants accused of crimes to countries like El Salvador, challenges to which are surfacing in federal courts. President Trump expressed his confidence in Rubio stating, “When I have a problem, I call up Marco, he gets it solved,” simultaneously proposing Waltz for an ambassadorial role at the United Nations and appointing Rubio as interim national security adviser.
The complex history and evolving alignment between Rubio and Trump saw tensions soften remarkably over time. Rubio, once critical of Trump’s candidacy, has become an emphatic ally leveraging his political influence to merge into Trump’s administration. Speculation about Rubio’s tenure lingered initially, considering Trump’s rapid dismissals of previous appointees.
Despite skepticism, Rubio’s resilience has secured him organizational oversight at the State Department and the National Security Council, responsible for orchestrating executive branch foreign policy decisions, spanning diplomacy, military, and intelligence sectors.
Challenge of dual roles in national security
Despite the arduous demands of the national security adviser role described by former NSC official Thomas Wright, Rubio has now expanded his portfolio significantly since joining the Trump administration. The task requires a high level of dedication to manage both roles effectively.
Appearing on a television broadcast, Rubio embraced his new responsibilities while declining to comment directly on his new appointment, maintaining his focus on aligning with presidential priorities. He acknowledged the remarkable progress of the past 100 days which he attributes to Trump’s leadership.
Colleague Dan Gelber praised Rubio’s capabilities, describing him as a figure of stability amid chaos, noted for reliability among Trump’s cabinet. Gelber noted Rubio’s adaptability amidst the chaotic nature of Trump’s government has been a factor in his expanded role.
In addition to his dual role, Rubio also holds interim positions at USAID and the National Archives, paralleling Trump’s close confidant Steve Witkoff who leads various diplomatic negotiations. Echoing the multifaceted roles of Trump’s past advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner, this configuration highlights Rubio’s broadening scope of influence.
State Department reaction and implications
The surprise appointment elicited instances of disbelief within the State Department, as officials learned of the news in real-time from media reports. However, consistent with his schedule, Rubio is expected to continue diplomatic missions abroad, suggesting a delegation of some responsibilities within the National Security Council as he multitasks in his expansive roles.