Marco Rubio has been confirmed as the new U.S. Secretary of State, following a unanimous 99-0 vote by the Senate shortly after President Trump took office on January 20. This confirmation makes Rubio the highest-ranking Hispanic American official in U.S. history.
At his confirmation hearing on January 15 before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio emphasized his commitment to prioritizing America's core national interests. He stated, "Under President Trump, the top priority of the United States Department of State will be the United States," adding that every policy must answer whether it makes America safer, stronger, or more prosperous.
Rubio was serving his third term as a U.S. Senator for Florida when nominated by Trump. Known for his influence in foreign policy, he has been a senior member of both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. His international experience includes extensive travel and meetings with foreign leaders to promote U.S. foreign policy goals.
Rubio has authored bipartisan legislation concerning China and advocated for holding its government accountable for human rights abuses against Uyghurs and in Hong Kong. He also played a significant role in shaping U.S.-Latin America relations by sponsoring sanctions against human rights violators in Venezuela and members of Cuba's regime.
Before his tenure as a senator beginning in 2011, Rubio served as a city commissioner in West Miami and was Speaker of Florida’s House of Representatives. He holds degrees from the University of Florida and the University of Miami School of Law.
Rubio attributes his success to his parents' decision to immigrate from Cuba in 1956, which he believes gave him "the privilege to be born a citizen of the greatest nation in the history of the world." His father worked as a banquet bartender while his mother was employed as a hotel maid and stay-at-home mom.
Rubio lives with his wife Jeanette and their four children.