U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has lavished praise on President Donald Trump for his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, labeling it as "remarkable" and asserting that it sets a standard for the free world. In a post on social media platform X, Rubio highlighted what he sees as the cornerstones of the new American leadership: fortified borders, energy dominance, and a staunch refusal of what he described as "uncontrolled migration disasters" and "phony energy alarms."
"He's setting the standard for the free world. Strong borders and energy dominance are what make America great," the Cuban-American official wrote, a statement that has sparked criticism and concern among immigrant communities. Rubio's endorsement aligns with a rhetoric that, from the United Nations stage itself, underscored the tightening of the Republican administration's immigration policies.
Trump not only defended his approach to mass deportations but also portrayed it as part of a golden era for the United States, which he claims has reemerged after "four years of weakness and chaos." "When we started detaining and deporting everyone crossing the border, they simply stopped coming," Trump asserted.
His message sent a clear signal to those aspiring to migrate to the U.S., including tens of thousands of Cubans: they will no longer be welcome unless they arrive through "proper" channels with prior authorization. In his address, the President also disparaged the right of asylum, a lifeline for many Cubans, linking it to crime in Europe and accusing applicants of "repaying kindness with crime."
Energy, Power, and Symbols: A Narrative of Exclusion
Trump paired his assault on migration with a verbal attack on renewable energy, dismissing it as a "joke" and a "costly fraud." He claimed that climate change is "the biggest hoax ever perpetrated on the world" and vowed to dismantle environmental policies in favor of fossil fuels.
Simultaneously, he championed his vision of a "strong, secure, and golden America," backed by symbolic reforms loaded with power emblems, such as golden decorations in the Oval Office, and legislation that fortifies his immigration policy. The core of his message was clear: shut doors, build walls, and display economic and military muscle as a synonym for prosperity.
The Cuban Question
These statements come at a time when thousands of Cubans face deportation or detention in the U.S. after crossing the border seeking refuge. Many await court decisions, others have been returned under stricter policies, and the future of humanitarian parole remains under constant political pressure.
Rubio’s support, as a key figure in Cuban-American politics, resonates particularly among those who still see the United States as a sanctuary in the face of Cuba's crisis. However, the words of the Secretary, like those of Trump, draw an increasingly clear line between those already inside and those still dreaming of arriving.
Key Questions About U.S. Immigration and Energy Policies
What are Marco Rubio's views on U.S. immigration policy?
Marco Rubio supports strong borders and energy dominance as pillars of American greatness, aligning with Trump's hardline immigration policies.
How did Trump describe his immigration strategy at the UN?
Trump defended his strategy of mass deportations, presenting it as part of a resurgence of American strength and prosperity.
What stance did Trump take on renewable energy?
Trump dismissed renewable energy as a "joke" and "costly fraud," and he promised to prioritize fossil fuels over environmental policies.