Rubio has competition for the position as America's top diplomat

Rubio has competition for the position as America's top diplomat

When Marco Rubio was appointed Donald Trump, he knew that it would be a challenging task. According to a person who is familiar with Rubios thoughts, he went into office with "open eyes". He was aware that Trump was not squeamish among his employees and occasionally released them on Twitter. He also got the nickname "Little Marco", which didn't feel good. Nevertheless, Rubio was aiming for the prestigious position of the Supreme Diplomat of the United States after losing the vice presidential post to JD Vance.

The challenge under Trump

Rubio had not expected that, as Foreign Minister, he could be put in the shade by one of Trump's closest friends, the real estate developer and billionaire Steve Witkoff. In the first two months of Trump's second term, Rubio put back behind Witkoff in many respects, whose influence goes far beyond his official title as a special envoy for the Middle East.

Witkoff as the main actor in foreign policy

Witkoff has taken on a key role in some of Trump's most important foreign policy success - including the release of hostages in Israel, a Since then broken ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the return of the American Marc Fogel from Russia, after Witkoff had traveled to Moscow to finalize. He moved in the Middle East and also appeared as a decisive agent in the talks to terminate the war in Ukraine.

Rubios trip and challenges

influence and skepticism

These circumstances have raised questions about Rubios influence Trump. Despite his unanimous confirmation as the first member of the cabinet, his office does not have the weight and influence that its predecessors had as foreign minister. A group of Maga supporters still shows skepticism compared to its foreign policy views. "I think he's frustrated," said a senator with Rubio.

Witkoff's buoyancy and Rubios role

Despite the challenges with which Rubio is confronted, he has the full equipment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While Witkoff often travels with his own private jet, Rubio is welcomed with a large pomp on his visits abroad and travels in the government C-32 Jumbojet, which is provided with "United States of America". Witkoff said in a statement that he had a "wonderful work relationship" to Rubio and that he was a great foreign minister.

future prospects and ambitions

Trump’s public dependence on Witkoff has already triggered speculation in Washington how long Rubio would like to stay in his office. A long-time friend Rubios said that he was aware of the "red door" of the first Trump administration, especially in view of Rex Tillerson, who was only in office for 13 months. Rubio will see his role as a success if he stays for 18 months to two years, which would give him time to plan a potential presidential candidacy in 2028.

The challenge of foreign policy

Rubio has already played a key role in several diplomatic efforts, including the leadership of a US delegation to Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine accepted a 30-day ceasefire plan. Veteran diplomats in Washington observe Rubios for the first two months in office with concern. While Rubio tried to calm America's closest allies during the recent G7 meeting in Québec, Witkoff had talks in Moscow with Putin.

the view from foggy bottom

In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rubio receives mixed reactions. According to reports of sources, there are a variety of diplomat resignations, which has not occurred so often in recent years. Apparently, however, Rubio managed to push some of the biggest cuts back, even if larger cuts can be expected. However, many hope that he will succeed in being a moderating influence, especially in humanitarian aid, even if this is not always visible.

The challenges of daily work

Rubio also faces the challenge that Trump has initiated extensive programs to suspend foreign aid. A source reported that Rubio spent a lot of time to process Waiver applications for critical programs. In a conversation, he said that he was awake until 3 a.m. to go through these applications. "He expressed concern about programs that are important for humanitarian reasons, but that has not been reflected in a flood of redemptions of these programs," said the source.