Marco Rubio officially assumed office as the United States Secretary of State on Tuesday, following a swearing-in ceremony led by Vice President JD Vance. In his remarks, Vice President Vance expressed unwavering confidence in Rubio’s ability to steer the country’s foreign policy, emphasizing a focus on strengthening, securing, and fostering prosperity for the United States.
Rubio, a seasoned political figure, pledged to advance President Donald Trump’s vision of a foreign policy centered on America’s national interests. In his first statement as Secretary of State, Rubio reiterated the administration’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises.
#WATCH | Washington DC | US Vice President JD Vance administered oath to Marco Rubio as the secretary of state.#JDVance #MarcoRubio pic.twitter.com/LGS7eBDcnc
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Addressing the nation after the ceremony, Rubio laid out his priorities, pledging to put America’s interests first in every diplomatic decision. “President Trump was elected to keep promises, and he’s going to keep those promises, and his primary promise when it comes to foreign policy is that the priority of the United States Department of State will be the United States. It will be furthering the national interest of this country, and he’s given us a very clear mandate. President Trump has made it very clear everything we do. And this is true in government, but especially at the Department of State,” Rubio stated.
#WATCH | Washington DC | After taking the oath, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says, “It’s been a busy 72 hours and maybe longer, 96 hours, I guess. First, I want to thank Jeanette, my wife, who has been so supportive. As the vice president knows well, it’s impossible to do… pic.twitter.com/u2bzvZdTOz
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The newly appointed US Secretary of State will hold his first bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. As per the details shared by the department, Secretary Rubio will convene with the Indo-Pacific QUAD Foreign Ministers at the Department of State at 1 PM (local time). This will be followed by a bilateral meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at 3:45 PM.
Later, Rubio is scheduled to hold individual meetings with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi at the Department of State, the statement noted.