In a turn of events that has shocked many, Marco Rubio has increasingly become President Donald Trump’s go-to guy. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
First, Rubio glided into the secretary of state role with a 99-0 Senate confirmation. Then, Trump and his team dismantled USAID and merged it under Rubio's State Department leadership, naming him acting director. The secretary was subsequently tapped to lead the National Archives in an acting capacity, and as of last week, he’s also replaced Mike Waltz as acting national security advisor.
"This is an expression of trust," said Andrew Tabler, a former senior official at State and the National Security Council (NSC). "It's a sign that the president likes Secretary Rubio, despite the odds."
Trump has suggested the interim arrangement could last up to six months, and while that may be an expression of the president's confidence in Rubio, some are questioning whether one person can effectively juggle four high-profile roles.
"Marco Rubio is very talented but no one can do that," said Joel Rubin, former senior State Department official.
Henry Kissinger was the last person to serve as both secretary of state and national security advisor, holding both roles for over two years from 1975 to 1977. But that was half a century ago, and threats facing the nation have only multiplied.
Michael Waltz was replaced as national security advisor by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein)
"I think it's not, ‘Can Marco Rubio do four jobs?’ It’s, ‘Is he allowed to do his one job – which is Secretary of State?’" said Mark Feierstein, a former senior official at USAID. "Foreign counterparts may see him as pleasant in meetings, but they don't necessarily believe he can deliver."
Feierstein pointed to the dismantling of USAID, the rise of informal advisors like Stephen Miller, and the proliferation of special envoys like Steve Witkoff who bypass Rubio entirely. "You've got loads of people who report directly to Trump or others. So now it's just chaos," he said.
Even Rubio’s ideological positioning raises questions. A staunch foreign policy hawk during his time in the Senate, Rubio has in recent months presided over a foreign policy apparatus that includes outreach to Russia and dramatic State Department budget cuts – moves he may once have opposed.
"He’s decided to accommodate," Feierstein said.
But Rubio's ability to meet voters where they are – and serve as the president's happy warrior – may be the key to his longevity. Sparring with voices like Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Vice President JD Vance on foreign policy would only cause further headaches for the president.
Tabler, for his part, remained optimistic. "Rubio is energetic, he knows the issues. He's been working on foreign policy for years," he said. "It’s a positive sign. But how long one person can do that job – and under what circumstances – is up to him."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/one-man-cabinet-marco-rubio-went-from-rival-trumps-point-man-can-he-handle-it