During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Donald Trump once again publicly commended Secretary of State Marco Rubio, offering him a noteworthy political compliment.
"I also want to thank Secretary of State Marco Rubio," Trump declared first before the full Congress.
He then added that Rubio is "well-liked by people," noting that he was the only member of his cabinet to receive unanimous approval in his Senate confirmation process.
"Some of the Democrats now don't understand why they approved him," Trump remarked with irony.
"He's a great Secretary of State, perhaps the best," the president concluded, delivering the highest praise a head of state could offer a member of his cabinet.
This mention occurred during a politically charged evening at the Capitol, with the address touching on foreign policy, the economy, and immigration.
Rubio had entered the chamber earlier to applause, with lawmakers and attendees rising to their feet—a scene that highlighted the influence he has gained within the administration.
Consistent Praise for Rubio
This is not the first time Trump has directly praised his Secretary of State in recent months.
Just days ago, he called Rubio "fantastic" following his participation in the Munich Security Conference, where Rubio delivered a speech to European leaders focused on strategic alliances and international security.
Shortly afterward, the president again spotlighted Marco Rubio, praising him publicly during the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Peace Board in Washington D.C.
Amid comments regarding his team and recent diplomatic outcomes, Trump made a joke that didn't go unnoticed, suggesting he was "almost" ready to fire Rubio due to the impact of his speech at the Munich Security Conference, where the Cuban-American received an ovation.
Trump suggested that Rubio received so much praise that some wondered why he couldn't speak similarly, to which he responded in his usual style: "I do, but I say it differently."
Rubio's Growing Influence
The increasing visibility of the U.S. diplomat comes as Rubio takes an active role in key issues like Latin America, Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran.
In Washington, his name is also being mentioned as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential elections.
Trump has been asked about this scenario multiple times and, while he has not formally endorsed any candidate, he hasn't dismissed the possibility either, merely highlighting Rubio's performance.
The State of the Union address, which lasted 108 minutes, focused on defending the current administration's economic policies and toughening the stance on "illegal" immigrants.
Trump also addressed Venezuela, discussing the operation against Nicolás Maduro, as well as regional security and the fight against organized crime.
In this context, the compliment to Rubio has not gone unnoticed, reinforcing the public profile of one of the most prominent officials in the current cabinet.
Questions About Marco Rubio's Role and Future
What notable compliment did Trump give to Marco Rubio during the State of the Union address?
Trump praised Rubio by stating he is "well-liked by people" and perhaps the best Secretary of State, highlighting his unanimous confirmation in the Senate.
What roles has Rubio played in key international issues?
Marco Rubio has been actively involved in issues concerning Latin America, Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran.
How did Trump humorously address the praise Rubio received at the Munich Security Conference?
Trump joked that he was "almost" ready to fire Rubio due to the overwhelming praise he received, which led some to wonder why Trump couldn’t speak similarly.