Rubio to assume dual power as secretary of state and advisor
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to replace Mike Waltz as the President's National Security Advisor, reports Politico. Rubio is expected to permanently hold both positions, a situation that has only occurred once before.
Marco Rubio's promotion is linked to Trump's decision. On Thursday, the U.S. President announced that Mike Waltz, who previously served as the National Security Advisor, would become the United States Ambassador to the UN.
According to Politico, initial arrangements suggest that Rubio will hold the roles of Secretary of State and National Security Advisor for at least six months. However, some sources in the White House indicate Trump wants this to be a permanent solution rather than a temporary one.
Rubio did not actively seek this promotion. However, Donald Trump and his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, encouraged him to take "more fulsome control" over the foreign policy apparatus.
- He’s just a quintessential team player that is willing to accept whatever task is necessary to deliver for the president – including the hard or risky ones - said one high-ranking White House official.
Trump's powerful man. Rubio to take on a new role
According to Politico's informants, Rubio's task in the new role is to "reorient" the American National Security Council so that it fully aligns with the President's vision.
The Secretary of State is said to be perfectly suited for this because "he understands process and foreign policy, and works well with the team – which is a big deal."
Additionally, Rubio has a reputation for being highly loyal, which Trump's associates consider "one of his biggest assets". Politico notes that after becoming Secretary of State, Rubio shifted his stance on many issues. He previously advocated for supporting Ukraine and was skeptical about mass deportations of illegal migrants. Now, he fully shares Trump's views on these issues.
Trump appreciated Rubio. He wants him to be like Kissinger
So far, the only person to have held both the roles of Secretary of State and National Security Advisor was Henry Kissinger. The dual role was assigned to him by President Richard Nixon, who governed in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Politico highlights that this is one of the reasons why Kissinger is considered one of the most powerful presidential advisors in U.S. history.
Source: Politico
