Official announcements from the State Department or U.S. government policy documents

Rubio Vows 'America First' Policy, Criticizes China at Secretary of State Hearing

Jan 15, 2025, 03:17 PM

Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of State and the first Cuban American considered for the role, testified Wednesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at his confirmation hearing. In his opening remarks, Rubio pledged to place American interests 'above all else' and outlined an 'America First' foreign policy vision. He criticized China, stating that it has 'lied and cheated its way to superpower status at the expense of the US,' and dismissed the 'liberal world order' as a 'dangerous delusion.' Rubio condemned an 'almost religious commitment to free and unfettered trade at the expense of our economy,' arguing it has harmed the middle class. He emphasized that every policy, program, and dollar spent by the State Department under his leadership would be guided by whether it makes America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. The confirmation hearing is expected to proceed smoothly, with Rubio likely to secure Senate approval to become the nation's top diplomat.