How Rubio is Supporting Trump’s “America First” and Border Security Vision

Empty White House podium and American flag.

Marco Rubio takes the helm as Secretary of State, ushering in a new era of “America First” foreign policy under President Trump’s second term.

Key Insights

  • Donald J. Trump has been re-elected as President and appointed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
  • Rubio is the first Latino to hold the position of U.S. Secretary of State.
  • Trump signed an executive order prioritizing American interests in foreign policy.
  • Rubio’s appointment was unanimously confirmed by the Senate.
  • The State Department under Rubio will focus on securing borders and reinstating merit-based standards.

Rubio’s Appointment and Confirmation

In a historic move, Marco Rubio has been appointed and confirmed as the new U.S. Secretary of State under President Donald J. Trump’s second administration. Rubio, the first Latino to hold this prestigious position, received unanimous confirmation from the Senate, marking him as the first confirmed cabinet member of Trump’s new term. This appointment has been met with approval from the Republican Establishment, though some members of the MAGA faction have expressed reservations.

Rubio’s confirmation hearing showcased his support for key alliances such as NATO, emphasizing the importance of capable defense partners. On his first day in office, he wasted no time in engaging with international counterparts, meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister and Japan’s Foreign Minister to discuss strengthening partnerships and addressing regional issues.

“America First” Policy Directive

President Trump has signed an executive order titled “America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State,” aimed at prioritizing American interests in foreign policy. This directive aligns with Trump’s campaign promises and sets the tone for Rubio’s tenure as Secretary of State. Rubio has pledged to align the State Department with this America First policy, focusing on national interest above all else.

“Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?” – Marco Rubio

This approach marks a significant shift from previous administrations’ foreign policies, which have been criticized for prioritizing global interests over domestic concerns. Rubio’s criteria for foreign policy decisions reflect this new direction, emphasizing the need to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

Rubio’s Background and Vision

Marco Rubio brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With Cuban immigrant parents and deep roots in Miami, Rubio has a unique perspective on international relations, particularly regarding Latin America. His political career, which includes serving as speaker of the Florida House and as a U.S. Senator since 2011, has been marked by a strong focus on foreign policy.

“Some of the brightest minds in foreign policy reside within this building and within this government, and we need to ensure that we have an environment here that’s conducive to creativity, to boldness, to new ideas, to recognizing the dynamic world in which we live—one that is changing faster than it has ever changed before. And we need to be ahead of it.” – Marco Rubio

Despite his neoconservative background, Rubio has shown a willingness to align with Trump’s America First agenda. This was evident in his vote against a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan in April 2024. As Secretary of State, Rubio has begun halting foreign aid in line with Trump’s executive order on reevaluating U.S. foreign assistance.

Key Priorities and Challenges

Under Rubio’s leadership, the State Department is set to focus on several key areas. Securing U.S. borders tops the list, along with abolishing DEI requirements and reinstating merit-based standards within the department. Rubio also plans to enhance partnerships with countries like Australia, Japan, and India to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The world without American engagement is a world none of us wants to live with.” – Marco Rubio

While Rubio’s appointment signifies a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, it also presents challenges. Balancing the America First agenda with longstanding international commitments and alliances will require careful diplomacy. Additionally, Rubio’s past support for U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts may need to be reconciled with the new administration’s more isolationist tendencies.

As Marco Rubio steps into his role as Secretary of State, all eyes will be on how he navigates these complex issues while adhering to President Trump’s vision of putting America first in all foreign policy decisions.

Sources:

  1. Trump Orders Rubio to Put America First in All Foreign Policy
  2. Rubio takes the helm as US secretary of state