Marco Rubio, the newly appointed Secretary of State, addressed employees in a speech marking his first day on the job. He expressed gratitude to his family and former colleagues for their support and emphasized the importance of balancing work responsibilities with family commitments. "My most important job, I believe the most important job any of us will ever have, is the job we do at home," he stated.
Rubio acknowledged key figures from Florida who have been instrumental in his career, including Mario Díaz-Balart and Lois Frankel. He also thanked President Trump for nominating him to this position, describing it as an "extraordinary honor and a privilege."
Highlighting the role of the diplomatic corps, Rubio said it is essential in serving national interests and supporting Americans abroad. He stressed that diplomats are often the face of America to those who may never visit the country. "They are literally the face of our country – whether it’s through the aid we’ve provided or through the services," he noted.
Rubio outlined his vision for U.S. foreign policy under President Trump's administration, focusing on advancing national interests and promoting peace while recognizing potential challenges. "We will seek to prevent them and avoid them, but never at the expense of our national security," he affirmed.
He called for innovation within the Department of State to ensure it remains central in formulating foreign policy. Rubio urged employees to embrace change as necessary for adapting to a rapidly evolving world landscape.
Concluding his remarks, Rubio expressed optimism about leading a talented team committed to maintaining America's global leadership role. "It is an honor to be able to lead this agency," he said before thanking attendees.