Revised on March 2, 2026, at 12:28 p.m. ET
Anyone who stays in the circle of President Donald Trump for an extended period inevitably faces consequences, whether by falling out of favor with him or by abandoning their previous ethical beliefs to align with his views.
Navigating Trump’s Influence
Up to now, no one has maneuvered through the treacherous landscape of Trump’s realm quite like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has managed to maintain a favorable relationship with the president while also reducing the impact of his actions on our global alliances.
Marco Rubio has skillfully navigated the complexities of the second Trump administration, effectively integrating authentic conservative foreign policy perspectives.
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Foreign Policy Strategies
Marco Rubio has made every effort to defend Trump’s blunders.
When I assert that Rubio is channeling significant conservative foreign policy principles through Trump, I am referring to two distinct ideas.
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Maintaining Global Alliances
Initially, he has successfully encouraged the president to embrace significant conservative principles in the quest for valid foreign policy objectives, and he has managed to lessen the repercussions of Trump’s outbursts against our allies.
I have little doubt that Trump’s interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine, which suggests that the United States should primarily oversee events in our hemisphere, is shaped by Rubio, considering his unmatched emphasis on Latin America throughout his Senate career.
This principle served as the justification for the operation that apprehended Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January. While I believe that Congress should have sanctioned that operation, it is undeniable that the strategy of pursuing regime change in Venezuela is one that conservatives support.
Ethical Dilemmas in Politics
Similarly, Rubio’s latest activities in Germany aim to alleviate any lingering European worries about their dependence on the United States. During his address at the Munich Security Conference, he emphasized numerous Trump-like positions regarding trade, U.S. military funding, and immigration issues.
The Secretary of State can argue that changes in policy in these domains benefit both the United States and European NATO allies, without resorting to the Trump-like tactic of reprimanding or belittling others.
“We do not wish for our allies to be vulnerable, as that would weaken us as well,” Rubio stated in Munich on February 14. “We desire allies capable of defending themselves, ensuring that no adversary will ever be inclined to challenge our united strength.”
Trump humorously suggested that Rubio performed so well in expressing American discontent that he should consider dismissing him. In Munich, Rubio skillfully integrated Trump’s bold demands regarding Europe into a unified, collaborative initiative aimed at reinforcing NATO and its member nations.
He has the ability to transform Trump’s chaotic tendencies into clear policies that NATO can embrace, earning him applause in the process.
The achievements of Marco Rubio during his tenure as Secretary of State are noteworthy.
Marco Rubio’s skill in glossing over the shortcomings of Trump, particularly in foreign policy, is remarkable, and maneuvering around him as an individual is nothing less than extraordinary.
Numerous individuals in Trump’s administration have faced challenges as they have turned into mere yes-men, eager to support any initiative the president proposes, irrespective of its efficacy. This is exactly what has negatively impacted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and other loyalists within the administration.
Others, including Trump’s initial secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, struggled more in dealing with Trump due to their straightforward manner of expressing disagreements. Tillerson was dismissed as a result of policy conflicts with the president.
Rubio’s strength lies in guiding Trump towards viable policies while simultaneously managing the fallout when the president acts unpredictably. To thrive in Trump’s realm, it’s essential for him to believe that the concepts are his own and that you are dedicated to serving him. So far, Rubio has excelled in achieving this balance.
The role of Secretary of State is one that may conflict with Trump’s temperament, and we are still in the early stages of his second term. It wouldn’t surprise me if a future disagreement arises between Trump and Rubio. Nevertheless, I appreciate that, so far, this has not occurred. Rubio remains a beacon of competence within a highly dysfunctional presidential administration.
Dace Potas serves as an opinion writer for USA TODAY and holds a political science degree from DePaul University.
