Former Florida senator Marco Rubio has been named interim National Security Adviser by President Donald Trump, adding to his already wide-ranging responsibilities as Secretary of State, head of USAID, and acting National Archivist. Rubio replaces Mike Waltz, who was reassigned as UN ambassador after a controversial incident involving the sharing of military strike discussions on Signal with a journalist.
Trump’s decision highlights his growing trust in Rubio, despite once calling him “Little Marco” during the 2016 presidential campaign. The move comes as the Trump administration juggles complex international challenges including the war in Ukraine, Gaza ceasefire talks, and Iran nuclear negotiations.
Rubio has emerged as a key figure in Trump's administration, frequently handling high-stakes assignments. He has traveled to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine-Russia mediation, led immigration crackdowns—deporting alleged gang members and revoking student visas over anti-Israel protests—and overseen the dismantling of foreign aid programs he once supported as a senator.
Despite concern from State Department insiders over his expanding workload, Trump has praised Rubio’s effectiveness. “When I have a problem, I call up Marco. He gets it solved,” the president said during a Rose Garden event.
Rubio’s shift from traditional Republican foreign policy to Trump’s "America First" agenda has included cutting human rights offices, partnering with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, and shuttering units combating foreign disinformation.
In a recent deportation case mishandled by the administration, Rubio defended the decision by asserting executive authority over foreign policy. Critics question how Rubio can manage so many roles effectively, but his team insists he has the support and capability to lead through the transition.
Trump has not yet indicated when a permanent national security adviser will be appointed.