On January 21, 2025, Marco Rubio was sworn in as the 72nd U.S. Secretary of State following a unanimous 99-0 Senate vote. This event marked the first cabinet appointment of President Donald Trump’s administration.
During his swearing-in ceremony, Rubio emphasized that U.S. foreign policy would prioritize American interests. He stated, “His (Mr. Trump's) primary promise when it comes to foreign policy is that the priority of the United States Department of State will be the United States, it will be furthering the national interest of this country.”
Rubio, who previously served on the Senate foreign relations and intelligence committees, is known for his critical stance on China and strong support for Israel. He also highlighted the need for an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine, suggesting that both Russia and Ukraine would need to make concessions for peace.
In his remarks, Rubio indicated that the Trump administration aims to secure a sustainable peace, stating, “We don’t just want the conflict to end and then restart in two, three, four years down the road. We want to bring stability.”
On his first day in office, Rubio is scheduled to meet with foreign ministers from Australia, India, and Japan, as part of his initial diplomatic engagements.