An unexpected transformation has taken hold within the second Trump administration. President Trump publicly credited Secretary of State Marco Rubio with fundamentally reshaping his approach to international relations, revealing a surprising mentorship that has propelled Rubio to unprecedented power.
The shift in Trump’s diplomatic style was highlighted during a discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump recounted a specific request from Chinese President Xi Jinping – a plea to cease using the term “China virus” to describe the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump’s decision to honor that request, he explained, stemmed directly from Rubio’s guidance.
“I became a diplomat for the first time,” Trump stated, acknowledging Rubio’s influence. “Well, you know, taught me that? Marco Rubio. He said, ‘Let me teach you about diplomacy.’” The President’s admission underscored a remarkable evolution in his governing style, seemingly guided by the steady hand of his Secretary of State.
Rubio’s responsibilities now extend far beyond the traditional role of Secretary of State. He simultaneously serves as the National Security Advisor and head of the National Archives, a unique consolidation of power not seen since Henry Kissinger’s time under the Nixon administration.
Observers note Rubio’s ability to navigate the complexities of the Trump administration. One former Pentagon official described Rubio as someone who doesn’t attempt to constrain the President, but rather “channels those instincts into constructive directions,” effectively translating Trump’s vision into actionable policy.
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants and a former U.S. Senator, has become a central figure in shaping the administration’s foreign policy, particularly regarding Venezuela. His long-held belief in the need to remove Nicolás Maduro from power culminated in a recent, and controversial, operation that led to Maduro’s capture.
For years, Rubio advocated for Maduro’s removal, initially through sanctions and support for opposition leaders. He famously predicted Maduro’s downfall in 2019, stating, “He’s picked a battle he can’t win. It’s just a matter of time.” That prediction became reality with the recent U.S.-led operation.
Following Maduro’s capture, Trump announced a U.S. administration of Venezuela until a peaceful transition could be established. This move, however, has drawn criticism from some, particularly Democrats, who question its legality given the lack of Congressional approval.
Rubio countered these concerns, asserting that Congressional approval wasn’t necessary as the operation did not constitute an “invasion.” The administration appears resolute in its course, confident in the justification for its actions.
Trump’s praise for Rubio has been effusive, predicting he will be remembered as “the best” Secretary of State. He highlighted the unanimous Senate confirmation Rubio received, a rare display of bipartisan support that included both liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans.
“Hey, any guy that gets approved by 100% of the votes – you think of it, he got liberal Democrats and radical right Republicans to approve him,” Trump remarked. “He's the only one…At first I wasn't happy about it. I said, ‘Wait a minute, I don't like that.’ And now it turns out that the Democrats probably wish they didn't do that. And Marco has been fantastic.”
