Secretary of State Marco Rubio is quickly proving why President Donald Trump made him one of his top Cabinet choices. He’s been using the office the way it’s supposed to be used: to advance American interests, not apologize for them. Quite a contrast from certain former secretaries of state who preferred lectures over leadership.
After delivering powerful remarks at the Munich Security Conference about preserving Western civilization, Rubio had another standout moment while in Europe. During a joint press briefing in Bratislava with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Rubio was asked a question clearly designed to stir division over U.S. actions in Venezuela.
And Rubio wasn’t having it.
“You asked him a question in order to see if, like, you can get him against us,” Rubio said, calling out the reporter’s motive before even answering. That’s what you call transparency — and a little media education on the side.
He went on to explain that not every country liked what the United States did in Venezuela, but that’s how national interests work.
“That’s okay. That was in our national interest,” Rubio said. “I’m sure there’s something he’ll do one day that we don’t like, and we’ll say, ‘Hey, we didn’t like you did this.’ So what? That doesn’t mean we’re not going to be friends, partners, or cooperate.”
Rubio also pointed out the action was not just justified, but necessary. “It was successful,” he said, adding that it was required because the man in charge was a “narco terrorist.” In other words, not exactly someone you invite to a democracy summit.
“I can tell you Venezuela is much better off than it was six weeks ago,” Rubio concluded, while acknowledging there is still more work to do.
He’s right. U.S. interests in the hemisphere are more secure, and those who wish America harm just took a serious hit. Instead of letting reporters frame the narrative, Rubio flipped the script and reminded everyone what leadership looks like: firm, clear, and unapologetically pro-America.
And judging by the way he handled that question, it’s safe to say Europe just got a master class in how the Trump administration does diplomacy — confident, focused, and always putting U.S. interests first.
