Rubio Rises: From Mocked Rival to Trump’s Most Trusted Aide
Once derided by Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries, Marco Rubio has emerged as a central figure in the Trump administration’s second term. On Thursday, President Trump named Rubio interim national security adviser, following the reassignment of Mike Waltz to the role of UN ambassador.
This move is just the latest in a growing list of responsibilities Rubio has taken on: top diplomat, foreign aid chief, acting national archivist, and now national security adviser. The former Florida senator leads the National Security Council and shapes US foreign policy amid escalating global tensions — including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Trump’s trust in Rubio has grown with time. “When I have a problem, I call up Marco,” the president said. “He gets it solved.” A senior administration official told Reuters that Rubio has “done everything Trump asked,” making him a reliable executor of Trump’s “America First” agenda.
A Portfolio of Power: Diplomacy, Security, and Immigration
Rubio has not only managed diplomacy but also spearheaded some of the administration’s most controversial policies. He helped facilitate Trump’s efforts in Yemen, Ukraine, and Gaza, and was dispatched to Saudi Arabia after a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky.
As secretary of state, Rubio has enacted an aggressive immigration crackdown. This includes deporting alleged gang members to El Salvador and revoking student visas — notably in cases involving students protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. Critics argue these measures stretch the limits of executive power, particularly when deportations occur despite court orders.
Rubio has also presided over the dismantling of foreign aid programs he once supported as a senator. Under Trump, he has overseen a dramatic reshaping of the US Agency for International Development, shuttered offices dedicated to human rights, and cut back on anti-disinformation initiatives that he accused of targeting conservatives.
From Contender to Confidant: A Political Evolution
The Trump-Rubio relationship was not always amicable. During the 2016 campaign, Trump branded him “Little Marco,” while Rubio returned fire with personal jabs of his own. But since Trump’s 2017 inauguration, Rubio has played a behind-the-scenes role in shaping key aspects of foreign policy, particularly in Latin America.
He was instrumental in directing the maximum pressure campaign against Venezuela and helped reverse Obama-era diplomacy with Cuba. Over time, this collaboration has forged a close bond built on loyalty and shared objectives — even when they clashed with Rubio’s past stances.
Now balancing multiple senior roles, Rubio’s expanding authority mirrors Henry Kissinger’s dual appointments in the 1970s. Yet some question whether one man can effectively manage so many high-stakes responsibilities. State Department officials have voiced concerns over the potential for burnout or neglected duties. Still, Rubio’s office remains confident: “If anybody can do it… it will be Marco Rubio.”
As foreign policy challenges intensify and domestic politics remain polarized, Marco Rubio’s role at the heart of Trump’s administration reflects both a personal political transformation and a deeper consolidation of executive power.
