Childhood and Education Journey of Marco Rubio in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Marco Rubio. From birth to education, explore key events.

Marco Rubio is an American politician, attorney, and diplomat. He is currently serving as the 72nd United States Secretary of State (since 2025), and also serves as the acting National Security Advisor and acting Archivist of the United States. A member of the Republican Party, Rubio previously represented Florida in the U.S. Senate from 2011 to 2025.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1956: Grandfather Immigrated to the U.S.

In 1956, Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather, Pedro Victor Garcia, immigrated to the U.S. legally.

1959: Grandfather Returned to Cuba

In 1959, Rubio's maternal grandfather returned to Cuba to find work.

1961: Rubio's Mother took his elder siblings back to Cuba

In 1961, Rubio said that his mother took his two elder siblings back to Cuba in 1961 with the intention of living there permanently.

1961: Mother's Return Trip to Cuba

In 1961, Rubio's mother made a month-long return trip to Cuba.

1962: Grandfather Fled Cuba and Detained

In 1962, Rubio's maternal grandfather fled communist Cuba and was detained as an undocumented immigrant upon returning to the U.S.

1966: Grandfather's Residency Approved

In 1966, Rubio's maternal grandfather reapplied for permanent resident status and his residency was approved.

May 28, 1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

Marco Antonio Rubio was born on May 28, 1971.

1971: Marco Rubio's birth

In 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born in Miami, Florida.

1975: Parents become U.S. Citizens

In 1975, Rubio's parents became naturalized U.S. citizens.

1984: First Communion

In 1984, Marco Rubio received his first communion as a Catholic.

1989: Graduated High School

In 1989, Marco Rubio graduated from South Miami Senior High School.

1993: Earned Bachelor of Arts Degree

In 1993, Marco Rubio earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Florida.

1996: Received Juris Doctor

In 1996, Marco Rubio received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law.

2003: Supported Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Rubio supported the invasion of Iraq, aligning with an interventionist foreign policy approach.

2008: Rubio Becomes Adjunct Professor at FIU

In 2008, after leaving the Florida Legislature, Marco Rubio began teaching at Florida International University (FIU) as an adjunct professor under a fellowship appointment.

2010: House Foreclosure

In 2010, the Tallahassee residence that Marco Rubio co-owned with David Rivera went into foreclosure after missed mortgage payments. Rubio assumed responsibility for the payments, and the house was eventually sold.

2011: Rubio Rejoins FIU Faculty

In 2011, after entering the U.S. Senate, Marco Rubio rejoined the Florida International University (FIU) faculty and taught undergraduate courses on Florida politics, political parties, and legislative politics.

2012: Paid off Student Loans

In 2012, Marco Rubio paid off $100,000 in student loans.

November 2015: Response to Paris Terrorist Attacks

In November 2015, following the Paris terrorist attacks, Rubio stated that the U.S. should accept no more Syrian refugees because background checks could not be effectively conducted.

March 2016: Opposed Merrick Garland's Supreme Court Nomination

In March 2016, Rubio opposed President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, citing that a nominee should not be considered in the last year of a president's term.

June 13, 2016: Rubio Considers Running for Reelection

On June 13, 2016, after suspending his presidential campaign, Marco Rubio "seemed to open the door to running for reelection" to the Senate, citing the Orlando nightclub shooting.

2016: Harsh Criticism During Republican Primaries

During the Republican primaries in the 2016 presidential election, Rubio and Donald Trump harshly criticized each other, marking a period of intense political rivalry.

2016: Rubio Backs Trump and Plans Convention Release of Delegates

In 2016, Marco Rubio backed Donald Trump for president, stating that Trump would repeal the Affordable Care Act and appoint a conservative Supreme Court Justice, also confirming his attendance at the Republican National Convention to release his pledged delegates to support Trump.

2016: Condemned Turkey's Crackdown on Dissent

In 2016, Rubio condemned Turkey's wide-ranging crackdown on dissent following a failed coup.

February 2018: Defended Accepting NRA Contributions

In February 2018, at a CNN town hall following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Rubio defended his record of accepting contributions from the National Rifle Association (NRA). He argued that the NRA's influence stemmed from the millions of people who agreed with their agenda, not just from monetary contributions.

March 2018: Defended Citizenship Question on 2020 Census

In March 2018, Rubio defended the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census, despite concerns from experts and fellow Republicans that it could lead to an undercount of the population.

July 2018: Offered Amendment on Real Estate Purchases

In July 2018, Rubio proposed an amendment to a congressional spending bill that would require companies purchasing real estate with cash to disclose their owners, in an effort to combat the use of illicit funds and anonymous shell companies.

August 28, 2018: Urged Sanctions Against Chinese Officials

On August 28, 2018, Rubio, along with 16 other members of Congress, urged the U.S. to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act against Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang.

2018: Reversed Position on Climate Change

In 2018, Rubio reversed his previous position on climate change, stating that humans contribute to the increase in greenhouse gases and that sea levels are rising at a measurable rate. Previously, he had rejected the scientific consensus on climate change.

April 2020: Attempt to Stop Obamacare Defeated

In April 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 8–1 against Rubio's attempt to stop the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

September 2020: Applauded Amy Coney Barrett's Nomination

In September 2020, Rubio applauded Trump's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, a reversal of his 2016 stance.

2020: Sanctioned by China

In 2020, China sanctioned Rubio and banned him from traveling to the country for his support for Hong Kong's democracy movement.

2020: Joined Bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus

In 2020, Rubio joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, indicating a shift in his approach to addressing climate change issues.

2020: Defended Citizenship Question on 2020 Census

February 2022: Condemned Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Rubio condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, aligning with international criticism of the Russian aggression.

2022: Condemned 2022 Winter Olympics in China

In 2022, Rubio condemned holding the 2022 Winter Olympics in China, citing the country's "evil, genocidal regime" and vowed to prevent future Olympics from being held there.

March 2023: Supported Revoking China's Trade Status

In March 2023, Rubio voiced support for revoking China's permanent normal trade relations status.

2023: Hamas '100 Percent to Blame' for Palestinian Casualties

In 2023, Rubio stated that Hamas was "100 percent to blame" for Palestinian casualties in Gaza, reinforcing his staunch support for Israel.

November 2024: War in Ukraine had reached a 'stalemate'

In November 2024, Rubio called Ukrainians "incredibly brave and strong", but said the war in Ukraine had reached a "stalemate" and "needs to be brought to a conclusion" to avoid further casualties.