Last Wednesday, Senator Marco Rubio sat before the Senate Intelligence Committee during the confirmation process for his nomination as Secretary of State. With each incoming administration, we will get a whole flurry of new and interesting perspectives on how the United States will interact on the world stage.
Senator Marco Rubio was selected by President Trump to serve as the 72nd secretary of state. As the Florida senator since 2011, he has extensive experience in foreign policy, serving on both the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence committees. So, what does he believe in? This past week, I have been closely watching his confirmation hearing to get a glimpse at how the Trump administration will handle foreign policy.
The confirmation hearing for Senator Rubio spanned over four hours and covered a wide range of issues. Senator Rubio’s opening statement gave us a clear sense of his priorities: strengthening national security, rebuilding American industrial capacity, and confronting authoritarian regimes. His vision for foreign policy is built on the principle of protecting America’s core interests while navigating a rapidly shifting global landscape.
China came up often- and for good reason. Rubio identified it as the single greatest long-term threat to the United States. Why? He pointed to their theft of intellectual property, their dominance in critical supply chains, and their growing influence over strategic resources like minerals. He even went so far as to argue that if America doesn’t rebuild its industrial base, the everyday necessities of life will increasingly depend on China. This, according to Rubio, is unacceptable. He emphasized the need to counter China’s influence through domestic and international actions, including building stronger alliances in the Indo-Pacific. He focused on Taiwan as a critical ally and underscored his belief that protecting democracy there is central to broader American security interests.
Russia was also a major focus. Rubio made it clear that reducing reliance on Russian energy- both for the U.S. and its allies- is essential. He criticized the Biden administration for failing to anticipate Europe’s energy vulnerabilities, which Russia exploited heavily during the Ukraine war. On Ukraine, Rubio showed strong support for ongoing assistance but argued that the U.S. needs a clear goal: lasting peace, not an indefinite commitment. It’s a pragmatic stance- one that balances support for allies with the recognition that America needs to prioritize strategic outcomes.
In the Middle East, Senator Rubio took a firm stand on supporting Israel, stating that peace and security in the region cannot be achieved with groups like Hamas that seek the destruction of the Israeli state. He sees the Abraham Accords as a major step forward, offering opportunities for cooperation and stability. But he didn’t stop there- Rubio also spoke about the importance of addressing humanitarian crises, including the need to bring hostages home and support ceasefires where possible.
Rubio also called for the U.S. to reevaluate its role in Syria, particularly in light of the Assad regime’s decline, and highlighted the growing opportunities to isolate actors like Iran and Hezbollah.
Africa and the Americas also got significant attention- Rubio stressed the importance of shifting U.S. policy in Africa from a sole focus on counterterrorism to promoting economic growth. He noted the devastating impact of diseases like malaria and argued for leveraging private-sector partnerships to address these challenges. In Sudan, he bluntly referred to the ongoing violence as genocide and called for a stronger diplomatic response. Meanwhile, in Haiti, Rubio highlighted the U.S.’s moral responsibility to engage more meaningfully, suggesting that inaction in the region is not an option.
Rubio also shared his concerns about growing Chinese influence closer to home specifically, in the Panama Canal and throughout Latin America. He has raised alarm over Chinese-controlled ports at the canal’s entrance and exit, suggesting that the canal’s neutrality could be at risk, President Trump has made similar claims publicly in recent weeks. Rubio argued that this represents a direct threat to U.S. national interests. Rubio suggested a legal review of the canal’s governance agreements and a broader look at whether U.S. investments are unintentionally funding activities that undermine American security.
Now, moving on to the State Department itself? Rubio argued that the department needs a fundamental overhaul- starting with its hiring and promotion practices. He believes the focus should shift to merit and effectiveness, instead of political ideologies. He also committed to working with Congress to confirm career Foreign Service officers and ensure embassies are fully staffed. In his view, the State Department should not only be operationally effective but also a hub for innovative ideas in foreign policy.
Rubio’s confirmation hearing wasn’t just about big-picture strategy, he also touched on key specifics. He spoke about supporting NATO’s expansion to include Finland and Sweden, improving U.S. engagement with the Pacific Islands, and addressing human rights abuses worldwide. On Cuba, he took a notably hardline stance, calling it a state sponsor of terrorism and signaling a potential reversal of recent policies that sought to normalize relations.
His comments on Mexico centered around the need for stronger cooperation to combat drug cartels and enforce water treaties- two key areas where he believes that Mexico has fallen short.
Throughout the hearing, one thing became abundantly clear- Senator Rubio’s approach to foreign policy is pragmatic and deeply rooted in prioritizing American security and prosperity. Whether addressing the Arctic, the crisis in Sudan, or the situation in Taiwan, his focus remained extremely consistent- strengthening U.S. interests and countering threats. His vision for the State Department as a leaner, more effective organization suggests a commitment to reform that goes beyond policy and into the nuts and bolts of how diplomacy is conducted.
As of January 20th, Marco Rubio was officially confirmed as secretary of state on Monday in a decisive 99-0 Senate vote, making him the first member of President Trump’s new Cabinet to be approved on Inauguration Day. As the nation’s top diplomat, Rubio faces an immediate slate of challenges, including reshaping the U.S.-China relationship, addressing the war in Ukraine, and strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific. His confirmation, backed by strong bipartisan support, reflects confidence in his ability to navigate these complex global issues. As the first Latino to hold the position, Rubio’s appointment also carries historic significance, signaling a new chapter in U.S. diplomacy under the Trump administration.
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