WASHINGTON – Senator Marco Rubio has achieved a significant milestone as he became the first member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet to be confirmed by the Senate, receiving strong approval just hours after the government transitioned.

Senators voted unanimously, 99-0, in favor of Rubio on Monday evening.

This confirmation allows the Trump administration to promptly begin pursuing a foreign policy agenda that prioritizes America’s national interests, advocating for protective measures like tariffs to encourage changes in behavior from other nations.

Rubio, who is the son of Cuban immigrants, is now the first Latino to hold the position of Secretary of State. He arrives with over 14 years of experience, having served on both the Foreign Relations and Intelligence committees. Notably, he was a competitor against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.

At his confirmation hearing, Rubio criticized what he referred to as a “dangerous” shift towards a liberal global order that he believes jeopardizes U.S. national security, stating: “Under President Trump, the primary focus of the U.S. Department of State will be the United States.”

He emphasized that Trump’s administration would always prioritize “the interests of America and Americans” to ensure that the nation is equipped to protect both its allies and itself.

“It’s a straightforward understanding that while we remain the wealthiest and most powerful nation on Earth, our resources are not limitless, and our capabilities aren’t infinite. Prioritizing our core national interests isn’t isolationism; it’s a rational acknowledgment that… a foreign policy centered around our national interest is not outdated,” Rubio explained.

As of Monday evening, Rubio alone had received Senate confirmation among Trump’s nominees, with others yet to be voted upon.

The Foreign Relations Committee unanimously backed Rubio for the role earlier Monday before the full Senate vote occurred.

“We are glad to have cooperated across party lines to ensure that Senator Marco Rubio is positioned to quickly lead the State Department,” stated a joint declaration from committee chair Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, and ranking member Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.

“The national security of the United States is fundamentally the committee’s top priority – having consistent leadership in place is essential for our country,” they added.

Trump’s team aimed to expedite the hiring of national security officials but faced delays due to incomplete paperwork, which hindered the submission of necessary background checks for its nominees to the FBI.

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer addressed the Senate, indicating Democrats would neither hastily support Trump’s agenda nor automatically block nominees deemed suitable for serious evaluation.

“Sen. Rubio exemplifies a qualified nominee who should be confirmed swiftly,” he said. “Though I may not agree with many of his views, I believe it is crucial for the new administration to have a Senate-confirmed Secretary of State promptly, so I will vote in favor.”

Rubio is set to begin his role at the State Department on Tuesday.

“I will miss my time here and the relationships formed, but this is an important position at a critical moment, and I’m honored to take it on,” Rubio said to reporters following the Senate vote.

His staff will be a combination of Trump’s appointees, many current and former aides from his Senate office, and career officials with specialized knowledge who serve regardless of the administration in power.

Rubio: Key Interpreter of Trump’s Foreign Policy

As the primary diplomat for the country, Rubio will be responsible for putting into action Trump’s executive orders and explaining the rationale behind the businessman-turned-president’s strategies designed to compel American allies to contribute more financially. Rubio has indicated intentions to use his role to counter China’s and Russia’s influence and unify Middle Eastern nations against Iran.

At his confirmation hearing, he defined China as “the most significant and perilous rival the U.S. has ever faced,” suggesting they possess elements the Soviet Union lacked.

He further emphasized, “It is absolutely essential that an Iranian regime capable of sponsoring terrorism is prevented from having necessary resources.”

Regarding complex issues, Rubio clarified that Trump would set the policies while he would hint at the Republican stance.

He expressed that the U.S. should advocate for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that this would necessitate some compromises from both parties.

“Figuring out what that strategy looks like will require hard work,” he noted, adding a ceasefire should ideally be the starting point.

Rubio also suggested reevaluating the U.S. position in NATO.

He posed, “There is a critical question regarding whether the U.S. should take a primary defense stance within NATO or serve simply as a ‘backstop’ against aggression, while nations nearer to Russia shoulder more military responsibilities.”

During the hearing, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia, who collaborated with Rubio on legislation preventing Trump from unilaterally exiting NATO, voiced his approval of Rubio’s appointment.

“He possesses a well-rounded perspective on global affairs and a genuine passion for various regions,” Kaine stated. “His responses are based on genuine understanding, not just from notes or binders.”

On a podcast with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro last month, Trump’s national security adviser Michael Waltz mentioned that while many diplomats focus on pressing crises in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, Rubio will also prioritize matters in Latin America.

Waltz noted Rubio as a “unique leader who genuinely invests in those relationships” and “grasping the complex dynamics, he will dedicate the necessary time to it.”

Contributing: Savannah Kuchar