"Unexpected Competition for Rubio in America's Top Diplomat Position": Rubio Finds Rivalry in Diplomatic Role
In the second term of President Trump, Florida Senator Marco Rubio took on the daunting challenge of serving as the Secretary of State, despite knowing Trump's track record of firing top officials via tweet.rubio still lobbied for the position after losing out on being Trump's vice president to JD Vance.
However, Rubio didn't foresee being overshadowed as secretary of state by one of Trump's closest friends, real estate tycoon and billionaire Steve Witkoff. Witkoff, with his expanded portfolio beyond his official title of special envoy to the Middle East, has become a key player in several of Trump's foreign policy wins, including the release of hostages in Israel and the return of American Marc Fogel from Russia.
Over the first two months of the second administration, Rubio has in some ways taken a back seat on the world stage to Witkoff. Witkoff has been a leading mediator in talks to end the war in Ukraine and has even faced Russian President Vladimir Putin to progress the administration's ceasefire proposal.
While Rubio has been busy with trips to Central America, the Middle East, Europe, Canada, and G7 partners, he has on occasion appeared uncomfortable with some of the administration's moves. He reportedly feuded with Elon Musk in a Cabinet meeting and was photographed in a "couch slouch" during a heated Oval Office conversation between Trump, Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
These optics have raised questions about Rubio's influence with Trump. Although Rubio was the first cabinet member to be confirmed unanimously, his role lacks some of the profile and portfolio traditionally enjoyed by previous secretaries of state. There's also a contingent of MAGA supporters skeptical of Rubio's hawkish foreign policy views.
"I think he is frustrated," a senator who remains in touch with Rubio told CNN. While foreign diplomats have praised Rubio for his engagement, multiple sources indicate Rubio appears ill at ease by how the White House has minimized his role.
"It's not what he expected," said one person. "Witkoff came out of the blue," they added. "Trump loves him." Nevertheless, only Rubio carries the full trappings of the secretary's office, traveling with a large security detail and on the government's C-32 jumbo jet emblazoned with "United States of America."
Witkoff, on the other hand, often travels on his own Gulfstream private jet. In a statement to CNN, Witkoff said he had a "wonderful working relationship" with Rubio, praising his skills as a secretary of state. However, insiders suggest that Rubio and Witkoff are not dueling but rather complimenting each other.
Trump's public reliance on Witkoff has led to speculation about how long Rubio will stay in the job. Sources indicate that Rubio took the job, aware of the revolving door of the first Trump administration, notably Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who lasted 13 months. Rubio is expected to serve for 18 months to two years, which would allow him time to plan for a potential presidential run in 2028, should the opportunity present itself.
The situation has provoked comments in Washington, with one long-time friend of Rubio saying, "Witkoff is a golf buddy... it's ridiculous." Nevertheless, Rubio has played a key role in several diplomatic efforts, including leading a U.S. delegation to Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal and soothing tensions with Kyiv.
In the end, only time will tell how the dynamic between Rubio and Witkoff unfolds on the world stage.
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Steve Witkoff's Role and Influence
Steve Witkoff, a wealthy real estate developer, serves as a special envoy in the second Trump administration. He has been assigned roles related to both the Middle East and Ukraine, with recent focus on his involvement in Ukraine. Witkoff's influence stems from his direct interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he has met with Putin twice in Moscow to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine [1][3].
Witkoff's comments on Ukraine, such as seeming to validate Kremlin-backed referendums and praising Putin, have sparked criticism in Europe and Ukraine. This criticism could be perceived as aligning the Trump administration closer to Kremlin stances than to those of NATO [1]. Witkoff's involvement and remarks have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Impact on Secretary of State Marco Rubio
The influence of Steve Witkoff on Secretary of State Marco Rubio's position is more indirect. Rubio, as the Secretary of State, is focused on broader U.S. foreign policy initiatives, including reforms within the State Department. The Trump administration is working on reforms, such as reducing the department's size while focusing on strategic areas [2]. Rubio's efforts aim to fill vacant diplomatic posts and ensure effective communication of U.S. interests abroad [2].
Witkoff's actions may create diplomatic challenges for Rubio, particularly in how they are perceived by Europe and other allies. If seen as too aligned with the Kremlin, it could complicate Rubio's efforts to maintain and strengthen alliances, potentially undermining the credibility of U.S. diplomacy under Rubio's leadership.
However, there is no direct indication from available sources that Witkoff's role has directly affected Rubio's position or authority within the administration. Their roles seem to operate on different fronts, with Witkoff focused on specific negotiations and Rubio overseeing broader U.S. diplomatic strategy and reforms.
- It is probable that Marco Rubio, despite his role as Secretary of State, has been overshadowed by Steve Witkoff, a special envoy to the Middle East, in terms of foreign policy influence and public visibility in the second term of President Trump.
- Witkoff, a close friend of President Trump, has been key in several diplomatic achievements, such as the release of hostages in Israel and the return of an American from Russia, while Rubio has been seen to be uncomfortable with some of the administration's moves.
- Though Rubio was initially expected to play a significant role in the administration's foreign policy, his influence seems to have diminished compared to Witkoff, who travels on his own private jet and reportedly has direct interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
