History of Marco Rubio in Timeline

Marco Rubio is an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat currently serving as the 72nd United States Secretary of State since 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party and also holds the roles of acting national security advisor and acting archivist of the United States.

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, legally immigrated to the U.S.

1956: Parents left Cuba

In October 2011, The Washington Post reported that Rubio's previous statements that his parents were forced to leave Cuba in 1959 (after Fidel Castro came to power) were falsehoods. His parents left Cuba in 1956.

1959: Grandfather Returned to Cuba

In 1959, Pedro Victor Garcia returned to Cuba to find work.

1959: False statements about parents leaving Cuba

In October 2011, The Washington Post reported that Rubio's previous statements that his parents were forced to leave Cuba in 1959 (after Fidel Castro came to power) were falsehoods.

1961: Mother's Trip to Cuba

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

1962: Grandfather Fled Cuba

In 1962, Pedro Victor Garcia fled communist Cuba and returned to the U.S. without a visa and was detained.

1966: Grandfather's Residency Approved

In 1966, Pedro Victor Garcia reapplied for permanent resident status after the Cuban Adjustment Act passed, and his residency was approved.

1969: Henry Kissinger's Tenure

From 1969 to 1977, Henry Kissinger served a combined tenure in one or both positions as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.

May 28, 1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

On May 28, 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born. He is now an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat.

1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

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

1973: Henry Kissinger's Dual Role

From 1973 to 1975, Henry Kissinger held the dual role of Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.

1975: Henry Kissinger's Dual Role

From 1973 to 1975, Henry Kissinger held the dual role of Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.

1975: Parents Naturalized

In 1975, Marco Rubio's parents were naturalized as U.S. citizens.

1977: Henry Kissinger's Tenure

From 1969 to 1977, Henry Kissinger served a combined tenure in one or both positions as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.

1984: First Communion

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

1989: Graduated High School

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

1993: Graduated University of Florida

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

1996: Graduated Law School

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

1996: Worked on Presidential Campaign

In 1996, while studying law, Rubio worked on Republican senator Bob Dole's presidential campaign.

April 1998: Elected City Commissioner

In April 1998, two years after finishing law school, Rubio was elected to a seat as city commissioner for West Miami.

1998: Married Jeanette Dousdebes

In 1998, Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes in a Catholic church.

December 14, 1999: Placed Second in Republican Primary

On December 14, 1999, Rubio placed second in the Republican primary for the 111th House District.

1999: Special Election Called

In late 1999, a special election was called to fill the seat for the 111th House District in the Florida House of Representatives.

January 2000: Took Seat in Legislature

In January 2000, Marco Rubio took his seat in the Florida legislature in Tallahassee.

January 25, 2000: Won Special Election

On January 25, 2000, Rubio defeated Democrat Anastasia Garcia with 72% of the vote in a special election.

November 2000: Reelected Unopposed

In November 2000, Rubio was reelected unopposed to the Florida House of Representatives.

2000: Elected to Florida House of Representatives

In 2000, Marco Rubio was elected to represent the 111th district in the Florida House of Representatives.

2000: Promoted to Majority Whip

Later in 2000, Mike Fasano promoted Rubio to be one of two majority whips in the Florida House of Representatives.

September 2001: Fasano Resigned

In September 2001, Mike Fasano resigned as majority leader of the Florida House due to disagreements with the House speaker.

2001: Requested Legislative Earmarks

In 2001, as a state representative, Rubio requested legislative earmarks totaling about $145 million.

2001: Rubio Introduces Tax Reduction Plan

Rubio introduced a plan to reduce state property taxes to 2001 levels, while increasing sales taxes to fund schools. Although the proposal passed the House, it faced opposition and smaller changes were eventually implemented.

December 2002: Appointed House Majority Leader

In December 2002, Rubio was appointed House majority leader by Speaker Johnnie Byrd.

2002: Reelected Unopposed

In 2002, Rubio was reelected unopposed to a second term in the Florida House of Representatives.

2002: Requested Legislative Earmarks

In 2002, as a state representative, Rubio requested legislative earmarks totaling about $145 million.

2003: Supported the invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Rubio voiced his support for the invasion of Iraq.

2004: Reelected to Third Term

In 2004, Rubio was reelected to a third term in the Florida House of Representatives with 66% of the vote.

January 2005: Rubio's Personal Charges

In January 2005, Rubio made personal charges on his Republican Party of Florida American Express card.

September 13, 2005: Became Speaker

On September 13, 2005, at age 34, Rubio became speaker after state representatives Dennis Baxley, Jeff Kottkamp, and Dennis A. Ross dropped out.

2005: Future speaker in 2005

In 2005, Rubio delivered a speech to the Florida House in which he asked members to look in their desks, where they each found a hardcover book titled 100 Innovative Ideas For Florida's Future.

2005: Supreme Court Decision in Kelo v. City of New London

In 2005, the Supreme Court made the decision in Kelo v. City of New London which took a broad view of governmental power to take private property under eminent domain.

October 2006: Rubio's Personal Charges

In October 2006, Rubio made personal charges on his Republican Party of Florida American Express card.

November 2006: Elected Speaker of the Florida House

In November 2006, Marco Rubio was elected speaker of the Florida House, serving for two years.

November 2006: Sworn in as Speaker

In November 2006, Rubio was sworn in as speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

2006: Florida Enacts Law on Private Property Authority

In 2006, Florida enacted a law limiting the state government's authority to take private property, responding to the 2005 Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London. Rubio chaired the special committee that proposed this legislation before becoming Speaker.

2006: Published Book

In 2006, Rubio published the book "100 Innovative Ideas For Florida's Future" after traveling around the state, talking with citizens, and compiling their ideas.

2006: Reelected to Fourth Term

In 2006, Rubio was reelected to a fourth term in the Florida House of Representatives unopposed.

January 2007: Crist Takes Office and Clashes with Rubio

In January 2007, Charlie Crist succeeded Jeb Bush as governor and he and Rubio clashed frequently. Their sharpest clash involved the governor's initiative to expand casino gambling in Florida, resulting in Rubio suing Crist for bypassing the Florida Legislature, a case Rubio won.

January 2007: Jeb Bush Leaves Office; Rubio Hires Bush Aides

In January 2007, Jeb Bush completed his term as governor, and Marco Rubio hired 18 of Bush's aides. This led to insiders saying that Rubio's office was like "the governor's office in exile".

2007: Legislature Apology for Slavery

In 2007, Tony Hill requested that the legislature apologize for slavery, and Rubio said the idea merited discussion.

November 2008: End of Speakership

Marco Rubio remained speaker of the Florida House of Representatives until November 2008.

2008: Left Florida Legislature

In 2008, Marco Rubio left the Florida legislature due to term limits and began teaching at Florida International University.

2008: Rubio Supports Apology for Slavery and Supports Initiatives for Black Youth

In 2008, Rubio expressed his support for an apology for slavery, emphasizing its symbolic importance and recognizing the challenges faced by young African-American males. He helped set up a council on issues facing black men and boys and supported efforts to promote literacy and mentoring.

2008: Rubio Begins Teaching at FIU

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

May 5, 2009: Rubio Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate

On May 5, 2009, Rubio announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martínez.

April 28, 2010: Crist Runs Without Party Affiliation

On April 28, 2010, Charlie Crist announced he would run for U.S. Senate without a party affiliation, effectively ceding the Republican nomination to Rubio.

November 2, 2010: Rubio Wins U.S. Senate Election

On November 2, 2010, Rubio won the general election for U.S. Senate with 49% of the vote.

2010: Report on Spending Requests

A 2010 report by the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald said that some of Rubio's spending requests dovetailed with his personal interests.

2010: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 2010, Marco Rubio was elected to the U.S. Senate in a three-way race.

2010: House Shared by Rubio and Rivera Goes Into Foreclosure

In 2010, a house in Tallahassee co-owned by Rubio and David Rivera went into foreclosure after missed mortgage payments. Rubio assumed responsibility for the payments, and the house was eventually sold.

2010: Media Raises Issues About Rubio's Credit Card Expenses

In 2010, during Rubio's Senate campaign, the media raised issues about some items charged by Rubio to his Republican Party of Florida American Express card during his time as House speaker.

March 2011: Rubio Supports U.S. Participation in Military Campaign in Libya

In March 2011, Rubio supported U.S. participation in the military campaign in Libya to oust Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

June 2011: Rubio Urges Congressional Authorization for Libya Action

In June 2011, Rubio and Senator Joe Lieberman co-authored an opinion piece urging passage of congressional authorization for military action in Libya.

October 2011: Rubio Pushes for Continued Engagement in Libya

In October 2011, Rubio and other senators pushed for continued engagement to "help Libya lay the foundation for sustainable security".

October 2011: Report on Family History

In October 2011, The Washington Post reported that Rubio's statements about his parents being forced to leave Cuba in 1959 were false. His parents left Cuba in 1956.

2011: Rubio Influences State Department and Visits Reagan Library

In 2011, Rubio became an influential defender of the United States embargo against Cuba and visited the Reagan Library, giving a well-publicized speech and rescuing Nancy Reagan from falling.

2011: Rubio Votes Against Budget Control Act

In 2011, Rubio voted against the Budget Control Act of 2011, which included mandatory automatic budget cuts from sequestration.

2011: Rubio Rejoins FIU Faculty

In 2011, after entering the U.S. Senate, Rubio rejoined the FIU faculty, teaching undergraduate courses on Florida politics, political parties, and legislative politics.

2011: Rubio States He Has No Interest in Running for President or Vice President

Shortly after taking office in 2011, Rubio said he had no interest in running for president or vice president in the 2012 presidential election.

March 2012: Rubio Endorses Romney and Says He Does Not Want to be VP

In March 2012, Rubio endorsed Mitt Romney for president, and stated that he did not expect to be or want to be selected as a vice presidential running mate, but was vetted for vice president by the Romney campaign.

2012: Paid Off Student Loans

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

2012: Rubio Votes Against Fiscal Cliff Resolutions

In 2012, Rubio voted against the "fiscal cliff" resolutions, citing concerns about the impact on small businesses and the lack of debt control.

2012: Ethics Commission Clears Rubio of Wrongdoing

In 2012, the Florida Commission on Ethics cleared Rubio of wrongdoing in his use of the party-issued credit card, though they noted a "level of negligence".

2013: Rubio was the 17th most conservative senator

According to the National Journal, in 2013 Marco Rubio was the 17th most conservative senator.

2013: Rubio Part of Gang of Eight Crafting Immigration Reform

In 2013, Rubio was part of the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" senators that crafted comprehensive immigration reform legislation, which included a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants after strengthening border security.

2013: Rubio's support for immigration reform leads to decline in Tea Party support

Marco Rubio initially won his U.S. Senate seat with strong Tea Party backing, but his 2013 support for comprehensive immigration reform legislation led to a decline in their support for him.

April 18, 2014: Drop in New Hampshire primary poll

On April 18, 2014, a WMUR/University poll showed Rubio had dropped to 10th place among New Hampshire Republican primary voters, behind other Republican contenders.

2014: Republicans Gain Senate Majority

After the 2014 midterm elections, the Republicans obtained majority control of the Senate, giving Rubio and the Republicans vast federal influence.

2014: Martinez Succeeds Conda as Rubio's Chief of Staff

In 2014, Alberto Martinez succeeded Cesar Conda as Rubio's chief of staff, with Conda remaining as a part-time advisor.

2014: Joined Broad and Cassel

In 2014, Marco Rubio took a position with Broad and Cassel, a Miami law and lobbying firm, after working at a law firm that specialized in land use and zoning.

2014: Club for Growth gave Rubio ratings of 93 percent

The Club for Growth gave Marco Rubio a rating of 93 percent based on his voting record in 2014.

January 2015: Rubio prepares for a potential 2016 run

In January 2015, Rubio started contacting top donors and appointing advisors, including George Seay and Jim Rubright, in preparation for a potential 2016 presidential run. He also instructed his aides to prepare for a presidential campaign.

March 2015: Rubio and Lee propose a tax plan

In March 2015, Rubio and Senator Mike Lee proposed a tax plan that would lower the corporate income tax rate, eliminate taxes on capital gains, dividends, and inherited estates, create a new child tax credit, and set the top individual income tax rate at 35%. The plan also included a proposal to replace the means-tested welfare system.

April 13, 2015: Rubio launches his campaign for president in 2016

On April 13, 2015, Rubio launched his campaign for president in 2016, positioning himself as a candidate who could restore the American Dream for middle and working-class families.

April 2015: Launched Presidential Bid

In April 2015, Marco Rubio launched a presidential bid instead of seeking reelection to the Senate.

April 2015: Rubio Decides to Run for President

In April 2015, Rubio decided to run for president instead of seeking reelection to the Senate.

November 2015: Rubio Releases Party Credit Card Statements

In November 2015, Rubio released his party credit card statements from January 2005 through October 2006, showing personal charges that he had reimbursed.

November 2015: Called for No Syrian Refugees after Paris Terrorist Attacks

In November 2015, following the Paris terrorist attacks, Rubio stated that the U.S. should not accept any more Syrian refugees due to the inability to conduct background checks.

2015: Rubio's rating by the American Conservative Union

As of early 2015, Marco Rubio had a rating of 98.67 by the American Conservative Union, based on his lifetime voting record in the Senate.

February 6, 2016: Rubio criticized in New Hampshire debate

During a nationally televised debate in New Hampshire on February 6, 2016, Chris Christie criticized Rubio for speaking repetitively, stating that he sounded "scripted".

February 2016: Rubio calls Trump a "con artist"

During the Republican primary campaign in February 2016, Marco Rubio criticized Donald Trump, calling him a "con artist" and stating that Trump was "wholly unprepared to be president of the United States".

March 15, 2016: Suspension of Presidential Campaign

On March 15, 2016, Marco Rubio suspended his presidential campaign after losing to Donald Trump in the Florida Republican primary.

March 2016: Opposed Obama's Supreme Court Nomination

In March 2016, Rubio opposed President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, citing the proximity to the end of Obama's term.

June 13, 2016: Rubio Seemingly Opens Door to Senate Reelection

On June 13, 2016, after the Orlando nightclub shooting, Rubio hinted at running for Senate reelection.

June 2016: Rubio reaffirms concerns about Trump having "nuclear codes"

In June 2016, after Donald Trump became the presumptive GOP nominee, Marco Rubio reaffirmed his February 2016 comments that we must not hand "the nuclear codes of the United States to an erratic individual".

July 20, 2016: Rubio endorses Trump after winning nomination

On July 20, 2016, Marco Rubio endorsed Donald Trump after Trump secured the Republican Party's nomination for president.

August 30, 2016: Rubio Wins Republican Primary for Senate

On August 30, 2016, Rubio won the Republican primary for Senate, defeating Carlos Beruff.

October 7, 2016: Rubio responds to the Donald Trump Access Hollywood controversy

Following the release of the Donald Trump Access Hollywood tape on October 7, 2016, Marco Rubio condemned Trump's comments as "vulgar, egregious & impossible to justify," but reaffirmed his support for Trump shortly thereafter. At the annual Calle Orange street festival in downtown Orlando, he was booed off a stage by a mostly Hispanic crowd over his support for Trump.

2016: Harshly Criticized Donald Trump

During the Republican primaries in the 2016 presidential election, Rubio and Donald Trump harshly criticized each other.

2016: Condemned Turkey's Crackdown on Dissent

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

2016: Rubio Candidate During Republican Party Primary

Rubio was a candidate during the 2016 Republican Party primary elections for president of the United States.

2016: Rubio backs Trump for President

Throughout 2016, Marco Rubio shifted his stance on Donald Trump. Initially critical, including calling Trump a "con artist" in February 2016 and expressing concern about handing him "the nuclear codes" in June 2016, Rubio later endorsed Trump after he became the presumptive GOP nominee and confirmed he would attend the Republican National Convention where he intended to release his pledged delegates to support Trump. He also defended his support by saying Trump would sign a repeal of the Affordable Care Act and replace the late Antonin Scalia with another conservative Supreme Court Justice. By May 29, 2016, Rubio expressed interest in playing a role in Trump's campaign and on June 6, 2016 he rebuked Trump's comments on Gonzalo P. Curiel, who Trump accused of being biased against him on the basis of his ethnicity, as "offensive". Rubio restarted his Senate reelection campaign on June 22, 2016.

January 2017: Rubio plans to become a 'private citizen'

In January 2017, after ending his presidential campaign, Rubio stated he would be a "private citizen," leading to speculation about the end of his political career.

February 2018: Defended Accepting NRA Contributions at CNN Town Hall

At a February 2018 CNN town hall event after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Rubio defended his record of accepting contributions from the National Rifle Association (NRA).

March 2018: Defended Trump Administration's Decision to Add Citizenship Question to Census

In March 2018, Rubio defended the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census.

July 2018: Offered Amendment to Force Disclosure of Real Estate Owners

In July 2018, Rubio offered an amendment to a major congressional spending bill to potentially force companies that purchase real estate in cash to disclose their owners as "an attempt to root out criminals who use illicit funds and anonymous shell companies to buy homes".

August 28, 2018: Urged U.S. to impose 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 climate change position

In 2018, Rubio reversed his previous position on climate change, acknowledging that humans contribute to an increase in greenhouse gases and that sea levels are rising at a measurable rate.

January 2019: Became Florida's Senior Senator

In January 2019, Marco Rubio became Florida's senior senator following the defeat of former senator Bill Nelson.

April 2020: Lost Supreme Court Attempt to Stop Obamacare

In April 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 8–1 to defeat Rubio's attempt to stop Obamacare.

September 2020: Applauded Trump's Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett

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

November 2020: Rubio Announces Run for Third Senate Term

In November 2020, Rubio announced that he would run for a third Senate term in the 2022 election.

2020: Democrats Regain Senate Majority

After the 2020 elections, the Democrats regained majority control of the Senate, and Rubio has reassumed minority status within the Senate.

2020: Sanctioned by China

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

2020: Joined Climate Solutions Caucus

In 2020, Rubio joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.

2020: Sanctioned by Chinese Government

In 2020, the Chinese government sanctioned Marco Rubio twice, banning him from entering China.

2020: ICC opened investigation into war crimes in Afghanistan

In 2020, the International Criminal Court opened an investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

2020: Defended Adding Citizenship Question to Census

In March 2018, Rubio defended the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census.

2021: ICC deprioritized the investigation into U.S. troops

In 2021, the International Criminal Court deprioritized the investigation into U.S. troops, focusing instead on crimes committed by the Taliban and ISIS-K.

February 2022: Condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, Rubio condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

2022: Re-elected to Senate

In 2022, Marco Rubio was reelected to a third term, defeating Democratic nominee Val Demings.

2022: Condemned holding the 2022 Winter Olympics in China

In 2022, Rubio condemned holding the 2022 Winter Olympics in China due to its "evil, genocidal regime". He also stated that he would "work to ensure that the Olympics are never hosted in the People's Republic of China again".

March 2023: Voiced support for revoking China's trade relations status

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

2023: Hamas 100 percent to blame for Palestinian casualties in Gaza

In 2023, Rubio said Hamas was "100 percent to blame" for Palestinian casualties in Gaza.

November 2024: Nominated for Secretary of State

In November 2024, President-elect Trump announced his intention to nominate Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State in his second administration.

November 2024: Stated War in Ukraine Had Reached 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.

November 2024: Trump chooses Rubio as Secretary of State

In November 2024, it was reported that Donald Trump had chosen Marco Rubio as United States secretary of state in his second administration; Trump confirmed this on November 13, 2024.

2024: Endorsed Trump for President

In 2024, Marco Rubio endorsed Trump for president days before the Iowa caucuses.

2024: ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant

In 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant.

January 15, 2025: Rubio calls China the most potent and dangerous near-peer adversary

On January 15, 2025, Marco Rubio appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, where he called China "the most potent and dangerous near-peer adversary this nation has ever faced" and said the Chinese Communist Party had "lied, cheated, hacked, and stolen their way to global superpower status at our expense".

January 20, 2025: Rubio formally nominated and confirmed as Secretary of State

On January 20, 2025, President Trump formally nominated Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations unanimously approved his nomination, and the Senate confirmed him a few hours later by a vote of 99 to 0.

January 21, 2025: Took Office as Secretary of State

On January 21, 2025, Marco Rubio took office as Secretary of State after being confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate.

January 23, 2025: Rubio freezes passport applications with 'X' sex markers

On January 23, 2025, Marco Rubio instructed the State Department staff to freeze any passport applications that requested "X" sex markers, as part of compliance with Executive Order 14168, which ended gender self-identification on passports. This action created confusion among applicants and those who already had passports with "X" sex markers.

January 24, 2025: Rubio enacts freeze on U.S. foreign aid

On January 24, 2025, Marco Rubio enacted a 90-day freeze on all U.S. foreign aid, with exceptions, effective January 28, in accordance with President Trump's executive order. This action shut down many of USAID's humanitarian, development, and security programs worldwide, despite Rubio's previous support for USAID during his time in Congress.

February 2025: Rubio shuts down the State Department's Counter Foreign Information and Manipulation and Interference Office

In February 2025, Marco Rubio announced that the State Department's Counter Foreign Information and Manipulation and Interference Office would be shut down, stating that it had wasted millions of dollars and engaged in censorship.

February 2025: Rubio agrees with El Salvador for the country to take in deported foreign nationals who committed crimes

In February 2025, Marco Rubio met with El Salvador president Nayib Bukele and reached an agreement for the country to take in deported foreign nationals who committed crimes, in addition to jailed U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Rubio praised the agreement as a way of rehousing deportees and American prisoners in the Salvadoran Terrorism Confinement Center.

February 2025: Rubio supports U.S. takeover of Gaza Strip

In February 2025, Marco Rubio supported President Trump's proposal that the U.S. take over the Gaza Strip, stating that the U.S. "stands ready to lead and Make Gaza Beautiful Again" and pursue a lasting peace in the region for all people.

February 16, 2025: Rubio downplays concerns about Ukraine's exclusion from peace negotiations

On February 16, 2025, Marco Rubio rejected concerns that Ukraine and Europe would be excluded from any future peace negotiations in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, stating that "Donald Trump is the only leader in the world that could potentially begin that process."

March 7, 2025: Rubio clashes with Elon Musk during White House cabinet meeting

On March 7, 2025, The New York Times reported that Marco Rubio clashed with Elon Musk during a White House cabinet meeting. Musk criticized Rubio for not firing anyone in the State Department, and Rubio was angered by Musk's dismantling of USAID while he was the agency's administrator.

March 9, 2025: Rubio condemns massacres of Syrian minorities

On March 9, 2025, Marco Rubio condemned the massacres of Syrian minorities committed by pro-government fighters during clashes in western Syria. He stated that "the United States stands with Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, including its Christian, Druze, Alawite, and Kurdish communities" and that the "perpetrators of these massacres against Syria's minority communities" should be held accountable.

March 2025: Rubio bypasses Congress to send arms to Israel

In March 2025, Marco Rubio bypassed Congress by issuing an emergency declaration to send Israel a $4 billion shipment of arms.

May 1, 2025: Appointed Acting National Security Advisor

On May 1, 2025, Marco Rubio was appointed acting national security advisor, replacing Mike Waltz, while continuing to serve as secretary of state.

May 15, 2025: Rubio acknowledges criticism of Gaza aid plan

On May 15, 2025, Marco Rubio acknowledged criticism of the U.S.-backed plan for distributing food aid in Gaza and said the U.S. government is "open to an alternative if someone has a better one".

May 2025: Rubio announces increased scrutiny of visas for Chinese students

In May 2025, Marco Rubio announced the U.S. government would "aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields". He also announced the U.S. would increase scrutiny of all future visa applications from China and Hong Kong.

May 16, 2025: Trump discusses Gaza food aid plans in Abu Dhabi

On May 16, 2025, while in Abu Dhabi, UAE, President Trump discussed plans for addressing starvation in Gaza. Israel claimed Hamas raids food aid. A U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was set up to distribute food through hubs run by private contractors and protected by Israeli soldiers, with operations planned to begin by the end of May. This plan has been criticized as unworkable and potentially unlawful because it could lead to mass forced relocations.

June 2025: Rubio announces sanctions on International Criminal Court judges

In June 2025, Marco Rubio announced sanctions on four International Criminal Court judges, for allegedly targeting the United States and Israel.

June 2025: White House requests rescissions in foreign aid and public broadcasting

In June 2025, the White House requested that Congress pass a package of rescissions, or "clawbacks", of approximately $8 billion in foreign aid and $1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The House of Representatives passed the cuts as requested, but the Senate excluded the cuts to PEPFAR, the program started under President George W. Bush to help lower-income countries get access to HIV medicines. The Senate passed two preliminary votes, 51-50, with Vice-President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking votes.

June 27, 2025: Rubio hosts peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda

On June 27, 2025, Marco Rubio hosted a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, according to which Rwanda will withdraw soldiers from the eastern DRC and the two countries will launch a framework for economic integration within 90 days. President Trump announced there will be deals with the West for minerals such as tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium.

September 2025: Rubio meets with Mexican President to discuss drug and gun smuggling

In early September 2025, Marco Rubio met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Foreign Affairs Secretary Ramón de la Fuente during his third visit to Latin America. The U.S. and Mexico agreed to continue close cooperation regarding the smuggling of drugs from Mexico into the U.S. and the smuggling of guns from the U.S. into Mexico. Rubio said, "It's the closest cooperation we've ever had, maybe between any country, but definitely between the U.S. and Mexico."

2025: Appointment as Secretary of State

In 2025, Marco Rubio became the 72nd United States Secretary of State, also serving as acting national security advisor and acting archivist of the United States.