Marco Rubio, the newly appointed Secretary of State, addressed employees on January 21, 2025. During his remarks, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and introduced his family to those present. "It’s a blessing and an honor to be with all of you today," Rubio stated.
He acknowledged the presence of several colleagues from Congress, highlighting their roles in appropriations and authorizations. He mentioned Mario Díaz-Balart, Lois Frankel, and Brian Mast as key figures who would be important partners in advancing the department's goals.
Rubio thanked former President Trump for nominating him to this role. He emphasized the importance of the diplomatic corps within the State Department: "to oversee the greatest, the most effective, the most talented, the most experienced diplomatic corps in the history of the world resides in this building."
The Secretary highlighted how diplomats represent America globally and assist citizens abroad during emergencies. "They are literally the face of our country," he noted.
In his address, Rubio outlined his vision for U.S. foreign policy under President Trump's administration. The focus will be on advancing national interests by promoting peace while avoiding conflicts whenever possible. "We will seek to prevent them and avoid them," he said.
Rubio also expressed a desire for innovation within the department: "I want it to be where it belongs... at the center of how America engages the world." He encouraged creativity and boldness among staff members to ensure that they remain ahead in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Finally, Rubio pledged to lead with distinction and integrity while acknowledging that challenges lie ahead due to unprecedented issues facing humanity today. "Some of the issues that confront humanity today have no precedent," he remarked.
The new Secretary concluded by expressing optimism about working together with his team towards achieving these objectives during his tenure.