Senator Marco Rubio laid out a distinctly “America First” foreign policy vision during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of State on Wednesday, emphasizing that safety, strength, and prosperity would be the cornerstones of American diplomacy under a second Trump administration.
In a hearing marked by bipartisan collegiality, Rubio criticized the current administration’s foreign policy approach, arguing that it has undermined American interests and failed to deter global aggression. “Promote peace abroad, and security and prosperity here at home – that is the promise that President Trump was elected to keep,” Rubio declared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, pledging to make this the State Department’s core mission if confirmed.
The Florida senator introduced a three-pronged test for diplomatic initiatives, stating that every dollar spent and policy pursued must answer one of three questions: “Does it make America safer, does it make America stronger, or does it make America more prosperous?”
While reaffirming America’s commitment to NATO, Rubio advocated for a more balanced partnership, emphasizing that European allies must increase their defense contributions. He pushed back against critics who might view this stance as isolationist, noting broad bipartisan agreement that wealthy NATO members should shoulder more of their defense burden.
On pressing global challenges, Rubio addressed the Russia-Ukraine conflict with pragmatic candor. He acknowledged that peace might require concessions from both sides, suggesting Ukraine might not regain all its territory given geographical realities. However, he maintained a firm stance on Russia’s actions, stating, “What Vladimir Putin has done is unacceptable.”
The hearing coincided with breaking news of an apparent Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement including the release of American hostages. Rubio defended Israel’s military response to Hamas while acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He expressed openness to a two-state solution, provided Palestinian leadership renounces terrorism and recognizes Israel’s right to exist.
China emerged as a central focus of Rubio’s testimony. He outlined a dual strategy of maintaining geopolitical balance while reducing American dependence on Chinese resources. “What cannot continue to happen is that China continues to assume all the benefits of the international system and none of its obligations,” he stated firmly.
On regional issues, Rubio proposed designating Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations to combat fentanyl trafficking. He demonstrated extensive knowledge of Latin American affairs, advocating for policies promoting stability and democracy while prioritizing U.S. interests.
The hearing concluded on a positive note, with committee members signaling likely confirmation. This warm reception stood in marked contrast to the contentious confirmation hearing of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth. Rubio’s final remarks emphasized his vision for a State Department that aligns foreign policy with national interests while generating “creative ideas and effective implementation.”