The Rise of Rubio: From Skepticism to "Secretary of Everything" in Trump’s Orbit

Marco Rubio’s career trajectory has always been marked by ambition and a willingness to adapt. However, his current position within the Trump administration has surprised many, including seasoned political observers. The New York Times recently dubbed him the "secretary of everything," a moniker that reflects his seemingly ever-expanding portfolio. He simultaneously holds the roles of Secretary of State, Interim National Security Advisor, Acting USAID Administrator (for a significantly reduced agency), and Acting Archivist of the United States at the National Archives and Records Administration.

This accumulation of power is particularly noteworthy considering the initial skepticism surrounding Rubio’s staying power in a second Trump administration. Nahal Toosi, a columnist and senior foreign affairs correspondent at Politico, expressed doubts about Rubio’s longevity in January, suggesting he might not even last a year. Now, after the administration’s first 100 days, Toosi admits she is less certain, as Rubio’s list of responsibilities has only grown.

In a conversation with Today, Explained co-host Sean Rameswaram, Toosi delved into the factors contributing to Rubio’s ascendancy, how he manages his diverse roles, and how he has adjusted his political stance to align with the Trump administration’s priorities.

The Key to Rubio’s Importance: Loyalty and Adaptation

According to Toosi, Rubio’s rise can be attributed to a significant shift in his political positions and a demonstrated unwavering loyalty to President Trump. "He abandoned everything, or much of, what he has stood for in the past, endeared himself to Trump, supported the president vocally and through policy changes, and earned the president’s trust," Toosi explained. She emphasized that earning the president’s trust is a crucial factor, given the high bar for loyalty within Trump’s inner circle.

Rubio’s transformation is particularly striking considering his past stances. Toosi highlights that many initially viewed him as one of the weaker figures in Trump’s orbit. "The fact that he has climbed the ranks and taken all these positions and earned the president’s trust in such a way — that is really remarkable, but it goes to show how unrecognizable he is compared to what Marco Rubio was five, 10 years ago."

From "Draining the Swamp" to Embracing MAGA

Rubio’s journey to becoming a key figure in the Trump administration represents a significant departure from his earlier political identity. During his time in the Senate, he positioned himself as a hawkish Republican, advocating for human rights, democracy promotion, and humanitarian assistance. He was a vocal supporter of Ukraine and took a firm stance against dictatorships, including Iran.

However, Toosi notes that Rubio has become increasingly flexible in his political views in recent years. He has seemingly embraced the MAGA world, even earning praise from far-right influencers like Laura Loomer. This shift has likely been accelerated by his position as Secretary of State, which he has used to vocally support Trump’s policies.

Toosi points to Rubio’s defense of Trump’s interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a prime example. Despite appearing visibly uncomfortable during the Oval Office meeting, Rubio later defended the president publicly. This, according to Toosi, demonstrates his understanding that he must prioritize loyalty and subordination to Trump.

The Anti-Immigration Stance: A Painful Irony

One of the most significant and controversial aspects of Rubio’s transformation is his embrace of the Trump administration’s hardline anti-immigration policies. This shift is particularly jarring given Rubio’s own family history as immigrants from Cuba.

Toosi notes the irony of Rubio now "seemingly gleefully stripping students of their visas and negotiating deals that are sending people to a prison in El Salvador without them getting proper hearings in court." She highlights his willingness to potentially defy judges to support Trump’s policies, raising questions about how far Rubio is willing to go to maintain his position.

A Larger Target on His Back

While Rubio’s transformation has undoubtedly been successful in securing his position within the Trump administration, it also comes with increased risks. As he takes on more responsibilities, particularly as National Security Advisor, he becomes a bigger target.

"Now that Rubio is actually in charge of these key portfolios — national security adviser and the State Department — in a way he has a bigger target on his back too. Because he’s going to be responsible for any major crisis that happens," Toosi warns.

Juggling Multiple Roles: A Logistical and Political Challenge

Rubio’s ability to effectively manage his numerous roles remains a significant question. "One of the key mysteries right now is how is he going to do both jobs at the same time. And remember, he has two other jobs, but let’s put those aside," Toosi says, referring to his positions as Acting USAID Administrator and Acting Archivist.

The historical precedent for holding both the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor positions simultaneously is limited. Henry Kissinger held both roles in the 1970s, but Toosi argues that the world was less complex then.

The potential for conflict between Rubio’s roles is also a concern. As National Security Advisor, he is supposed to act as an honest broker, presenting the president with a range of options and perspectives from different agencies. However, his position as Secretary of State may create biases and limit his ability to objectively assess different viewpoints.

What’s Rubio’s End Game?

Ultimately, Rubio’s motivations remain somewhat unclear. Is he driven by a genuine belief in the Trump administration’s policies, or is he simply prioritizing his own political survival and advancement?

Toosi suggests that survival itself is a significant accomplishment under Trump, given the high turnover rate within the administration. She also notes that Rubio may be hoping to play a role in significant foreign policy achievements, such as striking deals with Iran or brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine.

However, Toosi also points out the presence of Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for the president who is leading on key portfolios such as Iran and Ukraine. While Rubio may play a major role in these areas, the president will ultimately take credit for any accomplishments. Given Rubio’s track record, he is likely to cede the limelight to Trump.

In conclusion, Marco Rubio’s transformation from a hawkish Republican senator to a key figure in the Trump administration is a complex and fascinating story. His ability to adapt, demonstrate loyalty, and embrace the MAGA agenda has allowed him to accumulate unprecedented power. However, this success comes with significant risks and questions about his long-term goals and the potential consequences of his actions.