U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on, during a meeting with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere (not pictured) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 24, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
May 3, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as interim National Security Adviser, following the reassignment of Mike Waltz to the position of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The reshuffle underscores Trump’s increasing reliance on Rubio, a former senator from Florida who has taken on multiple high-level roles in the administration.
Growing Responsibilities
Rubio’s appointment adds to an already extensive list of positions he holds, which include:
- Secretary of State
- Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
- Acting Archivist of the United States
- Now: Interim National Security Adviser
While it is not unprecedented for one individual to hold dual national security roles—as in the case of Henry Kissinger during the 1970s—Rubio’s range of responsibilities has raised questions about administrative capacity and oversight.
Context and Rationale
Rubio’s promotion follows the controversy surrounding Mike Waltz, who added a journalist to a confidential Signal chat on military operations in Yemen. Trump has praised Rubio’s loyalty and problem-solving abilities, stating, “When I have a problem, I call up Marco… He gets it solved.”
White House officials say Rubio has earned Trump’s trust by consistently executing his agenda, even when it departs from Rubio’s past positions. NSC spokesman Brian Hughes described Rubio as “well qualified” to lead the council, and a State Department official confirmed Trump is comfortable allowing Rubio to serve indefinitely in both top foreign policy roles.
Mixed Reactions
Some U.S. officials have voiced concern over the sustainability and effectiveness of such a broad portfolio. “Even with the best intentions, I don’t see how you can do both jobs at once without neglecting responsibilities,” said one unnamed State Department official.
Rubio’s spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, responded by saying he has support staff in place and is capable of handling the workload: “If anybody can do it… it will be Marco Rubio.”
Shifts in Policy and Priorities
Rubio has played a key role in Trump’s foreign policy initiatives, including:
- Deportation agreements with El Salvador targeting gang members
- Revocation of student visas, often in response to political activism
- Support for controversial peace efforts involving Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East
He has also led efforts to dismantle several State Department offices, including those focused on human rights, disinformation, and war crimes, aligning the department more closely with Trump’s “America First” doctrine.
From Adversary to Ally
Rubio and Trump were once fierce rivals during the 2016 Republican primary, trading personal attacks. Since then, they have built what officials describe as a close professional relationship, particularly on issues related to Latin America, immigration, and foreign aid.
Outlook
Despite concerns about role overlap and institutional strain, Rubio is expected to serve in both key posts for at least six months, according to Politico. Whether a permanent national security adviser will be appointed remains unclear.
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