Rubio Emerges as Key Figure in Shaping Trump's Foreign Policy Legacy

Secretary of State Rubio takes leading role in advancing administration's global agenda

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Marco Rubio has emerged as a central figure in the Trump administration's foreign policy efforts, serving as a standard-bearer for the president's legacy on the world stage. As Secretary of State, Rubio has played a high-profile role in negotiations and diplomacy, including a well-received speech at the Munich Security Conference and subsequent trips to Europe to meet with pro-Trump leaders in Slovakia and Hungary.

Why it matters

Rubio's prominence in shaping the administration's foreign policy agenda has fueled speculation that he could be a potential successor to Trump in the 2028 presidential race. His ability to strike a balance between reiterating the administration's views and reassuring U.S. allies has been seen as a contrast to the more confrontational approach taken by Vice President Vance in the past.

The details

Rubio has been at the forefront of several key foreign policy initiatives, including the recent U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. He was present at Mar-a-Lago overseeing the raid and has been instrumental in the aftermath, working to form relations with the acting Venezuelan president. Rubio has also played a key role in negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program and discussions with Russia and Ukraine about the ongoing war.

  • Rubio gave a well-received speech at the Munich Security Conference last weekend.
  • Rubio visited Slovakia and Hungary in recent days to meet with pro-Trump leaders.
  • Last month, Rubio was among the few officials speaking alongside Trump after the U.S. military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro.

The players

Marco Rubio

The current Secretary of State, Rubio has taken a leading role in shaping the Trump administration's foreign policy agenda and is seen as a potential successor to the president in the 2028 presidential race.

Donald Trump

The current president, Trump has focused heavily on foreign policy during his second term, making Rubio's role as the country's chief diplomat crucial in advancing the administration's global agenda.

Mike Vance

The current Vice President, Vance has taken a more confrontational approach to foreign policy in the past, in contrast to Rubio's more balanced and diplomatic style.

Nicolás Maduro

The Venezuelan leader who was recently captured in a U.S. military operation, with Rubio playing a key role in the aftermath.

Delcy Rodríguez

The acting president of Venezuela, with whom Rubio has been working to form relations following the capture of Maduro.

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What they’re saying

“We do not need to abandon the system of international cooperation we authored, and we don't need to dismantle the global institutions of the old order that together we built. But these must be reformed. These must be rebuilt.”

— Marco Rubio, Secretary of State (Munich Security Conference)

“Marco continues to enhance himself both in Trump World and internationally. During the first Trump administration, and even during sort of those wilderness years, Marco wasn't really a part of the MAGA world. He was always viewed somewhat through the prism of a former rival. … So he has really positioned himself well among Trump voters and enhanced his stature in the party.”

— Brian Seitchik, GOP strategist (The Hill)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Rubio's prominent role in shaping the Trump administration's foreign policy legacy has positioned him as a potential successor to the president, as he has been able to balance reiterating the administration's views while also reassuring U.S. allies - a contrast to the more confrontational approach taken by Vice President Vance in the past.