Washington: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took office Tuesday, reiterating his commitment to help fulfill President Donald Trump's core foreign policy pledge to enhance the national interests of the United States. His swearing-in ceremony took place with Vice President J.D. Vance in attendance at the White House, a day after the Senate voted to confirm him as America's chief diplomat, making Rubio the Trump administration's first Cabinet-level official approved by the upper chamber.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rubio emphasized that the primary promise of the U.S. Department of State under his leadership would be to prioritize the United States' interests. He outlined that the focus would be on actions that make the nation stronger, safer, and more prosperous. Rubio stated clearly that any policy or action that does not meet these criteria will not be pursued.
During his recent Senate confirmation hearing, Rubio pointed out the necessity for Washington to reassess its approach towards North Korea. He stressed the importance of reducing the risk of unintended conflict on the Korean Peninsula while discouraging countries from pursuing their own nuclear weapons capabilities.
In November, Trump nominated Rubio, praising him as a "strong advocate for our nation" and a "true friend to our allies." Born in 1971 to Cuban immigrants, Rubio is an alumnus of the University of Florida and the University of Miami Law School. His political career includes serving as a city commissioner in West Miami, speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and a senator for Florida since 2011.