Marco Rubio Steps Into Bigger Role as Trump Shakes Up National Security Team

 

Marco Rubio Steps Into Bigger Role as Trump Shakes Up National Security Team

Trump Leans on Rubio Amid Growing Tensions in the West Wing

During a speech on rebuilding public trust in the White House Rose Garden on a hot afternoon, President Donald Trump paused to specifically commend Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was sitting in the front row.

Trump pointed to Rubio as he said, "I call up Marco when I have a problem." "He solves it."

That remark proved to be more than just a compliment. Trump was already working behind the scenes with Rubio to address a developing problem: national security adviser Mike Waltz had become untrustworthy and unpopular in the West Wing after inadvertently involving a journalist in a delicate group discussion regarding a military strike in Yemen.

 

National Security Adviser Ousted After Internal Controversy

Waltz's stance had grown more and more unworkable. Trump forbade him from going to Michigan earlier this week to make a significant announcement regarding new military spending. Waltz was left behind as Air Force One left, even though he flew with the president to Joint Base Andrews.

In order to avoid repeating the revolving-door optics that marred his first term, Trump had been hesitant for weeks. However, Trump was prepared to act after a hundred days had passed with no significant staff departures. It would be carried out by Marco Rubio, a reliable ally.

 

Rubio Takes on Dual Roles in Surprise White House Shakeup

Waltz was essentially kicked out of the White House on Thursday after Trump said on social media that he would be nominated as the next U.S. ambassador to the UN. Trump said in the same message that Rubio would continue to serve as Secretary of State while temporarily taking over as national security adviser.

"I appreciate you taking the time to look into this." As he left the White House, Trump wrote without commenting.

Rubio gains more access to Trump's inner circle as a result of the change. Rubio has stayed close to Washington, wanting to be near the president, when many previous secretaries of state traveled regularly. Henry Kissinger, who had served in both capacities during the Nixon and Ford administrations, is one of the historical individuals he now joins.

 

Waltz’s Departure and Fallout from the Signal Chat Scandal

Waltz never desired the position at the United Nations, according to sources, but his reassignment was presented as a promotion. Although the job entitles him to a lavish Manhattan home, it also keeps him far from the West Wing, thus excluding him from daily impact.

Waltz was fired because of a contentious group chat on Signal in which he unintentionally added a journalist, revealing private conversations regarding an impending strike in Yemen. Vice President JD Vance had initially opposed the expedition, therefore, the error caused internal indignation.

He continues to support Trump even though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided comparable information in the same conversation and even in a second one with his wife and brother. Hegseth is still quite popular with the MAGA movement and was spotted with Trump several times.

 

Inside the White House: Loyalty, Proximity, and Power

 

Additionally, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who has made it clear that she would not tolerate any more errors, did not object to Waltz's termination. Wiles has called for the Pentagon to perform better, highlighting the administration's aim to appear authoritative and in control.

Rubio, who currently serves in a number of capacities, including interim national security adviser and acting USAID administrator, was present for the whole Thursday proceedings. Rubio listened carefully as Trump talked in the blazing sun, then he ducked into the shade to look at his phone.

 

What’s Next for Trump’s Foreign Policy Team?

Rubio's influence keeps expanding while Waltz headed to a Senate confirmation he didn't seek. His status as a reliable Trump confidant is cemented by the action, which may set him up for future opportunities with even more responsibility.

Trump interprets the reorganization as a signal that loyalty is still paramount and that the second-term White House will not accept mistakes. It's unclear if Rubio will continue to serve in both capacities, but for the time being, Trump seems to have discovered his go-to problem-solver.