In an exclusive interview on February 13, 2025, with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided a detailed look into the Trump administration’s ambitious foreign policy agenda just weeks into its tenure. Speaking via teleconference, Rubio addressed pressing global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Gaza ceasefire, Middle East stability, and U.S. relations with Latin America and Mexico. His remarks underscored President Donald Trump’s direct approach to diplomacy and the administration’s commitment to ending conflicts and fostering international cooperation.
Russia-Ukraine: A Push for Peace
Rubio highlighted President Trump’s determination to broker an end to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which has ravaged the region since February 2022. “The great thing about working for President Trump is there’s not a lot of ambiguity,” Rubio said, referencing Trump’s assertion that the conflict would not have occurred under his previous leadership. On February 12, 2025, Trump held separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—the first such presidential contact with Putin in over two and a half years—signaling a renewed U.S. effort to facilitate peace.
Rubio outlined a multi-stage approach, starting with a potential ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian aid corridors while ensuring energy infrastructure remains intact. “It’s going to be hard, and it’s going to have to move in stages,” he noted, emphasizing that Trump seeks a lasting resolution, not a temporary pause. Scheduled to meet Zelenskyy alongside Vice President JD Vance in Munich on February 14, 2025, Rubio stressed the need for global participation, including from Europe, NATO, and nations beyond the continent. He also hinted at economic partnerships, such as joint ventures leveraging Ukraine’s mineral resources, to support its long-term independence and repay U.S. taxpayers for prior aid.
“Europe will need to provide durable security guarantees for Ukraine,” Rubio added, urging European allies to take a leading role in the process. While no agreements have been finalized, Rubio expressed optimism about the initial steps taken on February 12, calling them “the first step in a long journey” to stop the violence.
Gaza and the Middle East: A Call for Regional Solutions
Turning to the Middle East, Rubio addressed the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which appeared at risk of collapsing on February 13 due to Hamas delaying hostage releases. However, he noted recent reports suggesting the deal was back on track, a development he welcomed. President Trump has proposed a bold plan to rebuild Gaza, a region devastated by conflict, but Rubio emphasized that the administration is open to alternatives from Arab nations.
“All these countries say they care about the Palestinians, but none of them want to take any Palestinians,” Rubio remarked, critiquing the lack of concrete action from regional players. Trump’s plan, the only one currently on the table, involves relocating populations and rebuilding efforts, though Rubio clarified that U.S. troops would not be involved in confronting Hamas. “If the countries in the region can’t figure that piece out, then Israel will have to, and we’re back where we started,” he warned.
Rubio’s upcoming Middle East trip—following his stop in Germany—includes visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel to discuss a potential regional plan. Arab leaders are expected to convene in Saudi Arabia in early March 2025 to present their proposal. “We’re giving them a chance to come up with something better,” Rubio said, expressing hope for a collaborative solution that ensures stability and removes Hamas as a threat.
Broadly, Rubio framed the Trump administration’s Middle East strategy as one aimed at preventing “endless cycles of war” through clear, actionable diplomacy—a stark contrast, he argued, to the Biden era’s approach.
Trump’s Diplomatic Edge
Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Senator and now Secretary of State, Rubio highlighted the transformative impact of Trump’s leadership style on international relations. “Biden and Trump are not even in the same universe,” he said, pointing to Trump’s blunt clarity and willingness to follow through on promises. He cited Trump’s ultimatum to Hamas—delivered on February 12, 2025—that failure to release hostages by February 15 would unleash severe consequences, a threat that reportedly revived the ceasefire deal.
“Foreign leaders know what he’s going to do because he says it and then does it,” Rubio explained, contrasting this predictability with what he described as the Biden administration’s vague and inaction-prone diplomacy. This approach, he argued, positions Trump as uniquely capable of resolving conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and stabilizing the Middle East.
Latin America and Mexico: Strengthening Ties
Rubio also touched on U.S. relations with Latin America, spotlighting his recent visit to El Salvador with President Nayib Bukele. Praising Bukele’s dramatic reduction of gang violence—achieved by imprisoning thousands of gang members in a facility built in just seven months—Rubio called it a “miracle” of good governance. He noted Bukele’s pro-U.S. stance and generous offers, made on February 13, 2025, to accept deported MS-13 members and even house U.S. prisoners, though constitutional constraints may limit the latter.
“Bukele was treated very poorly by the Biden administration,” Rubio said, contrasting this with the renewed partnership under Trump. He suggested El Salvador’s success could inspire broader regional cooperation.
On Mexico, Rubio outlined a dual-track approach: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will handle tariff negotiations, while Rubio collaborates with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on security issues. The administration aims to curb human trafficking, fentanyl flows, and cartel activity at the U.S.-Mexico border while assisting Mexico in stopping U.S.-sourced guns from reaching cartels. “Our teams are talking, and hopefully we’ll have something to announce soon,” Rubio said, projecting optimism for a breakthrough in the coming weeks.
A Personal Note
In a lighter moment, Rubio shared his pride in his son’s recent touchdown for the Florida Gators during a bowl game. “The best part was seeing his teammates’ reaction,” he said, emphasizing the value of teamwork and respect over the score itself—a rare personal reflection amid his demanding role.
Looking Ahead
As Rubio embarks on his European and Middle Eastern travels, his interview underscored a Trump administration intent on reshaping U.S. foreign policy through decisive action and international collaboration. With key meetings scheduled for February 14 in Munich and beyond, the coming weeks will test the administration’s ability to turn its bold vision into tangible results.