Marco Rubio, the newly sworn-in Secretary of State, has been making significant waves in his early days in office. On January 21, 2025, Rubio took the oath to become the 72nd Secretary of State, marking a historic moment as he is the first Hispanic American to hold this position. During his swearing-in ceremony, Rubio pledged that every action taken by the State Department would be determined by whether it makes the United States stronger, safer, and more prosperous[2][4].
Rubio's inaugural remarks echoed themes from President Donald Trump's inaugural address, emphasizing the priority of furthering the national interest of the United States. He expressed his gratitude to President Trump for the opportunity and thanked his family, particularly his parents who came to the United States in 1956 as refugees from Cuba. Rubio also highlighted the importance of his role as a father and husband, noting it as the most important job he will ever have[2].
One of the immediate challenges Rubio has addressed is the situation in Gaza. When questioned about Trump's statement that he is not confident the ceasefire in Gaza will hold, Rubio expressed hope that it would, but also noted the historical context of violations by terrorist organizations. He emphasized the need for realism in dealing with such groups and the broader hope for peace in the region[2].
Rubio has also been asked about Trump's campaign pledge to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on Day One. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating that negotiations would not be played out in public and that the U.S. has a role to play in supporting Ukraine while working towards a pragmatic and serious diplomatic solution to end the conflict[2].
In addition to these foreign policy issues, Rubio sidestepped direct comments on Trump's pardons for January 6 rioters, focusing instead on his role in interacting with international counterparts to keep the country safe and prosperous. He touched on other topics such as TikTok and the Russia-Ukraine war, reiterating the importance of pragmatism and seriousness in diplomatic efforts[2].
As Secretary of State, Rubio is expected to play a crucial role in implementing the Trump administration's foreign policy agenda, with a strong emphasis on national security, safety, and prosperity. His early statements and actions indicate a commitment to these principles, setting the stage for his tenure in this critical position.