On his first day as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio addressed employees of the U.S. Department of State, outlining his vision for the department under the administration of President Donald J. Trump. In a speech delivered on January 21, 2025, Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of advancing U.S. national interests, fostering innovation within the department, and strengthening the global leadership of American diplomacy.
Acknowledgments and Personal Reflections
Rubio began by introducing his family, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout his political journey. His wife, Jeanette, whose parents immigrated from Colombia, and their four children, Amanda, Daniella, Anthony, and Dominick, were present for the occasion. He also acknowledged his extended family and friends who traveled from Miami to celebrate the milestone.
Rubio expressed gratitude to his former congressional colleagues, including Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Lois Frankel, and Brian Mast, who attended the event. He humorously appealed for their support in fostering productive cooperation between the State Department and congressional committees, emphasizing the critical role of bipartisan partnerships in achieving foreign policy goals.
Commitment to the State Department and Its Mission
The Secretary praised the State Department as the “most talented and experienced diplomatic corps in the history of the world.” He highlighted the department’s dual responsibility of advancing U.S. foreign policy and serving American citizens, recalling past instances where diplomats assisted citizens in urgent situations abroad, from lost passports to family emergencies.
Rubio acknowledged the critical role of Foreign Service Officers and locally employed staff in U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, thanking them for their dedication. “For many people around the world, the men and women who serve us abroad are the face of the United States,” he said. “Their work builds bridges, delivers aid, and represents our nation’s values.”
Vision for a Dynamic and Centralized Department
In his remarks, Rubio called for the Department of State to be the driving force behind the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy. He emphasized the need for innovation, bold ideas, and adaptability in an increasingly complex and fast-changing global landscape. “The world is evolving at a pace we’ve never seen before,” Rubio stated. “Our agency must not only keep up but anticipate the challenges of the next five, ten, or twenty years.”
Rubio also committed to strengthening the department’s relevance within the U.S. government. “We want the State Department at the center of how America engages the world—leading not only in execution but also in strategy and ideas,” he affirmed.
Balancing National Interest with Global Peace
Reflecting on the Trump administration’s foreign policy priorities, Rubio underscored the importance of advancing U.S. national interests, which he defined as measures that make the country “stronger, safer, and more prosperous.” At the same time, he reiterated America’s commitment to promoting global peace. “While we seek to prevent conflict, we will not compromise our national security, interests, or values,” he said.
Rubio acknowledged the complexity of foreign policy, where choices are often between imperfect options. “Our responsibility is to make the best possible decisions, even in difficult circumstances,” he explained, reaffirming the department’s mission to uphold America’s core principles while navigating global challenges.
Looking Ahead
Rubio concluded by outlining his aspirations for the department, focusing on fostering creativity and efficiency to address unprecedented global challenges. He called for a forward-looking approach, urging employees to think critically about the future of U.S. diplomacy. “We must prepare for a world that will change more in the next 25 years than it has in the last century,” he said.
As he began his tenure, Rubio expressed confidence in the department’s ability to meet these challenges, offering reassurance to staff both in Washington, D.C., and at missions worldwide. “It is an honor to lead this agency. Together, we will build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future,” he concluded.