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Newly sworn-in Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged that all State Department actions will be guided by three key questions: Does it strengthen the US? Does it make the nation safer? Does it increase prosperity?
The Senate unanimously confirmed Rubio on Monday evening, making him the first confirmed Cabinet member in the second Trump administration. During his swearing-in ceremony, Rubio gave remarks in both English and Spanish, thanking God, his family, and President Trump.
He acknowledged his parents, Cuban refugees who arrived in the US in 1956, saying their dream was for their children to achieve what they couldn’t. Rubio is the first Hispanic American to serve as Secretary of State.
The former senator echoed President Trump’s focus on prioritizing American interests in foreign policy. He promised to work tirelessly to advance the president’s agenda.
Rubio also thanked colleagues, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Senator James Risch, and emphasized the importance of his family.
Addressing State Department employees, Rubio stated his desire to place the department at the center of American foreign policy engagement. He acknowledged upcoming changes, emphasizing they are meant to modernize the department, not to be destructive or punitive. He stressed the need to adapt quickly to a rapidly changing world.
Rubio addressed several pressing issues in interviews. On the Gaza ceasefire, he expressed hope while acknowledging the challenges of dealing with terrorist organizations.
He also discussed President Trump’s pardons for January 6th rioters, but sidestepped directly commenting, saying his focus is on international relations and national security. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Rubio acknowledged the complexity of the conflict and the need for serious diplomacy, while reiterating US support for Ukraine.