Marco Rubio Confirmed as Secretary of State in Trump’s Second Administration
The U.S. Senate voted unanimously on Monday to confirm Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, making him the first confirmed member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet in his second term. Rubio, the first Hispanic American to hold the position, will soon resign from his Senate seat following his confirmation.
All 99 senators present voted in favor of Rubio, including Rubio himself. The Senate currently has one vacancy due to Vice President J.D. Vance’s resignation in mid-January. Rubio’s extensive experience as the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee was instrumental in securing bipartisan support, with Democrats publicly endorsing his credentials.
In a statement following his nomination by Trump in November, Rubio expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the State Department. “Leading the U.S. Department of State is a tremendous responsibility, and I am honored by the trust President Trump has placed in me,” Rubio said. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will deliver peace through strength and always prioritize the interests of America and its people.”
Earlier in the day, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had unanimously approved Rubio’s nomination with a 22-0 vote, sending it to the full Senate. Senator James Risch, chairman of the committee, expressed confidence that Rubio’s confirmation would proceed without issues.
The State Department is already preparing for Rubio’s tenure. Plans are in place for him to deliver a speech marking his arrival on Tuesday. He will also meet with foreign ministers from India, Australia, and Japan, key partners in the Quad alliance aimed at countering China’s influence in the Pacific region.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that state Attorney General Ashley Moody will be appointed to fill Rubio’s Senate seat.
Rubio’s confirmation marks a historic milestone and signals a continuation of Trump’s foreign policy agenda with a focus on strengthening alliances and prioritizing American interests on the global stage.
