Marco Rubio Sworn in as Secretary of State, 1st Trump Cabinet Member Confirmed/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Marco Rubio was officially sworn in as Secretary of State on Tuesday morning by Vice President JD Vance, becoming the first Cabinet nominee of President Donald Trump’s second term to secure congressional approval.
The Senate confirmed Rubio, a former Florida senator, with a unanimous vote late Monday, just hours after Trump’s inauguration. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee had also unanimously approved Rubio’s nomination earlier in the day, clearing the way for the full Senate vote.
Bullet Points: Marco Rubio Sworn in as Secretary of State
Quick Look
- Marco Rubio was sworn in as Secretary of State by Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday morning.
- Rubio is the first Cabinet member of Donald Trump’s second term to be confirmed by the Senate.
Senate Confirmation
- Rubio’s confirmation was unanimous in both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the full Senate vote on Monday.
- The confirmation followed Trump’s nomination of Rubio in November 2024.
Background on Marco Rubio
- Born in Miami, Florida, in 1971 to Cuban immigrant parents.
- Served as:
- City commissioner in West Miami.
- Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
- U.S. Senator for Florida since 2011.
- Advocated for strong national security and foreign policy during his Senate tenure.
- Married to Jeanette Rubio with four children.
Replacements and Future Elections
- Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to replace Rubio in the Senate.
- Moody will serve until a special election in 2026, with another election in 2028 to complete the term.
Rubio’s Role as Secretary of State
- Will lead U.S. foreign policy initiatives under President Trump.
- Expected priorities:
- Strengthening relationships in the Western Hemisphere.
- Managing tensions with China and other global players.
- Advancing trade and counterterrorism efforts globally.
Rubio’s Background
- Early Life:
- Born in Miami, Florida, in 1971 to Cuban immigrant parents.
- Rubio’s father worked as a banquet bartender, and his mother held various jobs, including hotel maid and factory worker.
- Political Career:
- Served as a city commissioner in West Miami before being elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he became Speaker.
- Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, where he served until his confirmation as Secretary of State.
- Advocated for a strong foreign policy and national security during his time in the Senate.
- Family Life:
Rubio’s Reaction
Rubio expressed his gratitude after being nominated for the role in November 2024, saying:
“I’m honored to serve this country and lead America’s foreign policy efforts at such a critical time for our nation and the world.”
Key Appointments Following Rubio’s Departure
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Rubio’s Senate seat.
- Moody will serve until a special election in 2026, after which the winner will complete the remainder of Rubio’s term. Another election is scheduled for 2028.
What’s Next for Rubio?
As Secretary of State, Rubio will play a pivotal role in advancing Trump’s foreign policy agenda, which includes:
- Strengthening alliances in the Western Hemisphere.
- Addressing tensions with China and other global powers.
- Supporting trade initiatives and counterterrorism efforts.
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