Marco Rubio Sworn In as Secretary of State, Pledges to Honor His Family’s Sacrifice and America’s Promise

Marco Rubio was sworn in this morning by Vice President JD Vance as the new Secretary of State. The ceremony, which lasted about eight minutes, marked a historic moment for Rubio and the nation. You can watch the full ceremony below, starting at 20:49.

In an emotional and heartfelt event, Rubio spoke of his family’s journey, his gratitude to the nation, and his commitment to serving its people. Taking the oath of office, Rubio vowed to guide the State Department with a simple yet profound test for every decision: “Does it make us stronger? Does it make us safer? And does it make us more prosperous?”

The son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio’s story is one of resilience and hope. In his remarks, he honored his parents, who came to the United States in 1956 in search of a better future for their children. Switching to Spanish, he gave thanks to God and to his family, including those no longer with him. “The purpose of their lives was that their children could realize dreams that were not possible for them,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Rubio also expressed his profound gratitude to President Donald Trump, who entrusted him with the role. “It’s an incredible honor to be the Secretary of State of the greatest, most powerful country in the world,” he said, before lightening the mood with a quick joke: “I just said I saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico.”

But the former senator quickly returned to serious matters, reflecting on the immense responsibilities of his position. Echoing themes from President Trump’s vision, Rubio reiterated that the State Department’s mission would prioritize the American people. “Our duty is to advance the national interest of this country. We will work tirelessly to ensure that America is safe, prosperous, and respected on the global stage,” he pledged.

In interviews following the ceremony, Rubio confronted some of the world’s most urgent challenges, including the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and the protracted war in Ukraine. Speaking of the Gaza ceasefire, Rubio offered a cautious hope but stressed realism. “When you’re dealing with a terrorist organization like Hamas, it’s difficult to have confidence that peace will hold. But we must always work toward it, even in the face of uncertainty.”

On the war in Ukraine, Rubio described the conflict as tragic and complex, one that requires relentless diplomacy. “This war was started by Vladimir Putin and has caused immense suffering—not just in Ukraine, but across Europe and the world. It must end, but that will take hard, serious work,” he said.

As he concluded his remarks, Rubio reflected on his dual role as a public servant and a family man. “The most important job I’ll ever have is that of a father and husband,” he said, underscoring the values that guide him in his life and work.

Marco Rubio’s swearing-in marks a significant milestone for the nation and a deeply personal triumph for a man whose family once dreamed of the opportunities he now embraces. His tenure begins with a solemn promise: to honor the sacrifices of the past by building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all Americans.

In related news, Rubio appeared on CBS This Morning and declared that ending the war in Ukraine is the official policy of President Trump’s administration.

Below is his full interview: