In a candid interview, Marco Rubio disclosed that his appointment to the State Department was initiated by an unusually informal phone call from Donald Trump, defying expectations for such a significant role in the U.S. government.
During a conversation with Katie Miller, the Secretary of State recounted that the then President-elect didn’t extend an offer or inquire about his willingness to leave the Senate. Instead, Trump straightforwardly informed him that the position was his.
"He just called me up and said, ‘You’re going to be the Secretary of State.’ It wasn’t presented as a choice,” Rubio recalled, during a discussion held at the State Department with his wife Jeanette also present.
The Cuban-American politician explained that there was a general expectation during the campaign that he might assume a significant role in Trump’s potential second term, though it was never openly discussed between them.
Rubio remembered receiving the call just 48 to 72 hours post-election. Trump might have even pre-empted the personal announcement.
“I think he might have already put it out there before telling me,” Rubio recounted with a chuckle. Despite the unconventional delivery, he accepted the role enthusiastically: “I was happy to do it and felt honored.”
Rubio emphasized that the exchange was far from a political negotiation about his future.
"It wasn’t like: ‘Would you be interested?’ It was more: ‘You’re going to do it.’ And I said: ‘Well, here we go,’” he remembered.
This anecdote provides a personal insight into a nomination that held significant weight among the Cuban community.
As the son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio vacated his Senate seat in Florida to become the first Hispanic to lead the State Department. During his inauguration in January 2025, he spoke in Spanish, paying tribute to his parents who emigrated from Cuba in 1956.
From the announcement of his appointment, his critical stance on the Cuban regime raised expectations about Cuba’s role in the new administration’s foreign policy.
Over time, Rubio has taken a pivotal role in this area.
Trump has publicly acknowledged Rubio’s leadership in dealings with Havana. In March, he stated that Cuba was negotiating “with Marco and me,” positioning the Secretary of State as a key figure in these discussions.
The President also highlighted Rubio’s family background as an asset, reminding the public of his parents’ Cuban roots.
The interview with Miller shed light on the beginning of Rubio’s journey to this position, which he embraced with eagerness. “Here we go,” he recalled thinking at the time.
Insights on Marco Rubio's Appointment and Cuban Policy
How did Marco Rubio become Secretary of State?
Marco Rubio became Secretary of State following an informal phone call from Donald Trump, who informed him directly that the position was his, rather than offering it as a choice.
What was unique about Rubio's appointment?
Rubio's appointment was unique due to the informal manner in which Trump communicated it, bypassing traditional protocol and skipping any negotiation.
What is Marco Rubio's connection to Cuba?
Marco Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants, which influences his perspectives and policies regarding Cuba, making him a significant figure in U.S. dealings with Havana.