Media: Secretary of State Rubio emerges as preeminent power in US foreign policy

Marco Rubio’s rapid ascent within President Donald Trump’s administration has made him one of the most powerful figures in US foreign policy, despite his evolving stance on several key issues.

Once a staunch advocate for foreign aid and a vocal critic of engaging with adversarial nations, Rubio has adapted to Trump’s "America First" approach and now serves in a multifaceted role as Secretary of State, acting head of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and acting archivist at the National Archives and Records Administration, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

In his new role, Rubio has overseen significant changes, including a drastic reduction in USAID’s operations, resulting in the closure of health clinics across Africa and the Middle East. His shift from advocating for foreign aid to dismantling it has been particularly striking, with forecasts suggesting that communicable diseases may rise as a result. Meanwhile, Rubio, once a hawk on foreign policy, has now been tasked with defending Trump’s outreach to Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and Hamas.

Now, the former senator from Florida has become the most powerful US Cabinet member by title since Henry Kissinger — accumulating four positions, including secretary of state, acting head of the US Agency for International Development, and acting archivist at the National Archives and Records Administration.

Rubio’s meteoric rise in Trump’s orbit has coincided with his enabling of policies that Democratic and some Republican colleagues say are unrecognizable from those he espoused as a senator and presidential candidate.

"Some of his former colleagues were hoping he would be the ‘adult in the room.’ That is a very warped view of our constitutional system," said a senior Rubio aide, emphasizing that it is the president who sets foreign policy, with roles like the Secretary of State implementing that vision.

Rubio's climb has not been without challenges. The volatility of Trump’s administration has seen the dismissal of four national security advisers, and Rubio is navigating a precarious path. Despite these difficulties, he has managed to maintain a steady hand, remaining quiet about how he will manage the National Security Council (NSC), a body that has seen several vacancies under Trump’s leadership.

Rubio’s pragmatic approach has led to an environment of cooperation, with Trump noting, "When I have a problem, I call up Marco — he gets it solved." His influence is particularly evident in his handling of the Ukraine conflict, where he recently stated, “This conflict needs to end... Ukraine is being destroyed and losing more and more territory.”

While Rubio has embraced policies that align closely with Trump’s views, Senate Democrats are less enthusiastic. “Rubio’s MAGA brain transplant is complete,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland). Rubio's rise has, however, delighted hard-liners in the GOP, particularly on issues like immigration reform and his push for foreign deportations.

As Rubio continues to expand his influence in Trump’s inner circle, the stakes remain high. His evolution from a more traditional Republican to a key architect of Trump’s foreign policy reflects both his political adaptability and the tensions within the administration.

By Vafa Guliyeva