Rubio’s rise: once doubted, now Trump’s most trusted Cabinet player
In a surprising turn of events, Marco Rubio has emerged as a key player in President Donald Trump’s administration, despite initial speculation that he would not last long in the new administration. Rubio, who was once a bitter presidential rival to Trump, has now found favor with the president and taken on multiple key roles within the administration.
At the start of the new administration, there were doubts about Rubio’s America First credentials due to his previously hawkish foreign policy views. However, Trump has continued to rely on Rubio to get things done, leading to his appointment as Secretary of State with a unanimous Senate confirmation. Additionally, USAID was merged under Rubio’s leadership at the State Department, and he was named acting director of the agency. Rubio was then appointed as acting head of the National Archives, and most recently, he has taken on the role of acting national security advisor, replacing Mike Waltz.
While Trump has expressed confidence in Rubio by suggesting that the interim arrangement could last up to six months, some have questioned whether one person can effectively handle four high-profile roles simultaneously. The last person to hold both the roles of Secretary of State and national security advisor was Henry Kissinger over fifty years ago, and the current threats facing the nation are more complex than ever.
Critics have raised concerns about the workload being unfair to Rubio, the taxpayer, and President Trump, as the national security advisor traditionally plays a crucial role in advising the president on matters of war, peace, and global crisis. The physical proximity of the national security advisor to the president is essential for quick briefings, which may be compromised if the same person is constantly traveling for diplomatic missions.
The recent shake-up within the National Security Council, which saw the departure of several key officials, has further heightened the importance of filling out the national security team. While some believe that Rubio’s promotion may be more symbolic than operational, others point to his ability to connect with voters and serve as the president’s ally as key factors in his continued rise within the administration.
Despite Rubio’s past as a foreign policy hawk, he has shown a willingness to adapt to the changing dynamics of the administration, including outreach to Russia and budget cuts at the State Department. While there are concerns about the chaos within the administration and the proliferation of informal advisors, Rubio’s energy, knowledge of foreign policy issues, and ability to navigate political challenges may be key to his success in his multiple roles.
In conclusion, Marco Rubio’s unexpected rise within the Trump administration highlights the shifting dynamics and challenges facing the national security team. While some question the feasibility of one person handling multiple high-profile roles, Rubio’s ability to forge relationships, adapt to changing circumstances, and serve as a key advisor to the president may prove crucial in the months ahead.
