Rubio’s Rise: From Trump Rival to Four-Role Powerhouse

In a stunning turn of events, Senator Marco Rubio has transitioned from a vocal critic of Donald Trump during the presidential campaign to the President’s most trusted advisor, now holding an unprecedented four positions within the administration. This development has sparked both admiration and concern within Washington circles, raising questions about the practicality and effectiveness of one individual juggling such significant responsibilities.

Initially, many observers anticipated Rubio’s departure from the administration, citing his hawkish foreign policy views as incompatible with Trump’s "America First" agenda. However, Rubio has defied expectations, steadily gaining the President’s confidence. "When I have a problem, I call up Marco. He gets it solved," Trump remarked recently, highlighting his reliance on Rubio’s abilities.

Rubio’s ascent began with his near-unanimous Senate confirmation as Secretary of State, a role he embraced with apparent ease. The administration then dismantled the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), merging it under the State Department’s umbrella and appointing Rubio as acting director. This consolidation of power solidified Rubio’s influence over foreign aid and development policies.

Adding to his portfolio, Rubio was subsequently tapped to lead the National Archives in an acting capacity. The latest development saw him replacing Mike Waltz as acting National Security Advisor, further expanding his reach into the core of national security decision-making.

Andrew Tabler, a former senior official at both the State Department and the National Security Council (NSC), views this accumulation of roles as a clear indication of Trump’s trust in Rubio. "It’s an expression of trust," Tabler stated. "It’s a sign that the president likes Secretary Rubio, despite the odds."

While Trump has suggested this interim arrangement could last up to six months, concerns are mounting about the feasibility of one person effectively managing four high-profile positions. Joel Rubin, a former senior State Department official who served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, expressed skepticism. "Marco Rubio is very talented but no one can do that," Rubin argued, questioning the sustainability of such a demanding workload.

Historical precedent offers limited guidance. Henry Kissinger famously served as both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor from 1975 to 1977. However, Rubin points out that the complexities and challenges facing the nation have multiplied significantly in the intervening half-century.

Rubin argues that the current arrangement is "not fair to the individual, not fair to the taxpayer, and not fair to President Trump, who needs strong, independent advice from a national security advisor." This sentiment underscores the importance of a dedicated National Security Advisor who can provide unbiased counsel to the President.

In response to inquiries about Rubio’s workload, a senior State Department official emphasized the administration’s confidence in his abilities. "The president has assembled an incredibly talented team that is fully committed to putting America and Americans first," the official stated. "Secretary Rubio looks forward to serving as his interim national security advisor while ensuring the mission-critical work at the State Department continues uninterrupted."

The National Security Advisor traditionally holds a position of unparalleled proximity to the President, providing immediate counsel on matters of war, peace, and global crises. Their physical location near the Oval Office facilitates constant communication and real-time briefings. This close relationship is difficult to maintain when the same person is traveling internationally for diplomatic missions. The demands of managing the State Department and other responsibilities could potentially detract from Rubio’s ability to fulfill the critical functions of the National Security Advisor.

The reshuffling within the NSC follows a broader shake-up, including the departure of Waltz, deputy advisor Alex Wong, and several other staffers in early April. This reduction in personnel has heightened concerns about the NSC’s capacity to effectively address the multitude of national security challenges facing the country.

"There are major national security issues in three different theaters. Europe, Middle East and Asia. One’s a hot war, one is a half-hot war, and it’s really getting tense in Asia," a former NSC official noted, emphasizing the urgent need for a fully staffed and functional national security team.

Michael Allen, former special assistant to the president and senior director at the NSC, echoed concerns about the demands on Rubio’s time and the NSC’s staffing shortages. "The national security advisor is one of the president’s closest relationships," Allen stated. "The national security advisor needs to be near the president all the time. Or at least able to brief the president all the time. So this is more duties for Rubio and they’re already short-handed."

Despite these structural concerns, Allen acknowledged that the President’s personal comfort and trust in Rubio may outweigh other considerations, at least in the short term. "If the president feels like he needs Rubio there, then this is a good solution," Allen said.

However, others suggest that Rubio’s expanded role may be more symbolic than operational, particularly within a White House where influence doesn’t always align with official titles. Mark Feierstein, a former senior official at USAID, questioned Rubio’s actual authority. "I think it’s not, ‘Can Marco Rubio do four jobs?’ It’s, ‘Is he allowed to do his one job – which is Secretary of State?’"

Feierstein pointed to the dismantling of USAID, the influence of informal advisors like Stephen Miller, and the proliferation of special envoys like Steve Witkoff who bypass Rubio entirely as evidence of a fragmented decision-making process. "You’ve got loads of people who report directly to Trump or others. So now it’s just chaos," he claimed.

Even Rubio’s ideological positioning has raised eyebrows. A staunch foreign policy hawk during his Senate career, Rubio has recently overseen a foreign policy apparatus that includes outreach to Russia and significant State Department budget cuts – policies he may have previously opposed. "He’s decided to accommodate," Feierstein observed.

Rubio’s ability to connect with voters and serve as a vocal supporter of the President may be a key factor in his continued success. His willingness to engage with dissenting voices, such as Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Vice President JD Vance, on foreign policy issues could further solidify his position within the administration.

Despite the challenges and concerns, Tabler remains optimistic about Rubio’s abilities. "Rubio is energetic, he knows the issues. He’s been working on foreign policy for years," Tabler said. "It’s a positive sign. But how long one person can do that job – and under what circumstances – is up to him."

Ultimately, the success of Rubio’s unprecedented four-role arrangement will depend on his ability to effectively manage his time, delegate responsibilities, and maintain the President’s trust. Whether this experiment in leadership will prove sustainable in the long term remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a unique chapter in American foreign policy and national security decision-making.