All articles tagged with #marco rubio
The United States signals no immediate new strikes on Iran, shifting to intensified economic pressure through the naval blockade and Treasury sanctions as more oil moves through the Strait of Hormuz; while military action isn’t off the table if Iran attacks first, allies are being kept apprised as the policy focuses on squeezing Tehran while seeking to bring it back to negotiations.
Facing a fierce public spat with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Brazil’s Lula da Silva seeks an unlikely ally in Donald Trump ahead of October elections. Lula says he’ll call Trump over interference concerns and the two leaders recently spoke in a cordial, over‑hour call focused on trade and ties. Some Washington officials view Lula’s approach as a strategy to gain leverage in polls, while Brazilian diplomats warn the State Department is increasingly ideological; with Brazil’s economy diversifying away from the US, the Lula–Trump dynamic could outlast the election.
The article contends that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stepped back from leading on Iran, Gaza, and Ukraine-Russia crises, instead prioritizing Latin America (Cuba and Venezuela). It cites concerns from former officials about a dysfunctional decision-making structure and notes that private envoys like Jared Kushner have taken the lead on major issues, potentially weakening long-term U.S. diplomacy.
The Trump administration sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, freezing their assets in the US and restricting US-based entities from dealing with them as part of a broader effort to dismantle the court. Rubio called the ICC a sham and vowed more actions to protect US sovereignty, while the ICC and critics warn the measures threaten judicial independence and the rule of law amid longer-running tensions over the court’s jurisdiction and investigations into US and Israeli actions.
Karoline Leavitt’s exit from the Trump White House prompts speculation about who might depart next, with Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, Susie Wiles, Howard Lutnick and James Braid floated as potential successors amid expected administration turnover.
The piece argues that Iran’s latest demands echo the previously signed MoU and that Trump’s alternating threats and retreating steps have left Iran confident in its leverage, especially via control of the Strait of Hormuz. Rather than a concession, Iran appears to want a face-saving victory, pressuring the U.S. while calling for sanctions relief and asset releases. The author suggests revisiting and potentially folding reparations into sanctions relief, and emphasizes that a genuine diplomatic path would require reconstituting a robust U.S. diplomatic effort, something unlikely to happen under Trump without a different president.
Trump told donors in a private Oval Office remarks that “we need to elect JD,” signaling a private lean toward JD Vance as his preferred successor for 2028, though no formal endorsement has been made. Rubio remains a contender, having built relationships and a strong profile, while Vance’s role as RNC finance chair and his fundraising machine are highlighted. CPAC polling shows Rubio close to Vance, and advisers caution that Trump’s signals can vary by audience and may not reflect a final decision before the race begins.
Trump privately told donors he wants JD Vance as his 2028 running mate and may publicly back him, but aides say the decision isn’t final as he weighs Rubio and aims to delay an endorsement to avoid appearing lame-duck. Vance has not publicly announced plans and Rubio’s path remains uncertain amid midterm dynamics.
The Trump administration has increased U.S. intelligence assets in Cuba, signaling a tougher strategy toward Havana and potentially paving the way for actions ranging from intensified covert activity to a possible military incursion, as the CIA presence grows and allies like Marco Rubio press for change.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sought talks with the Trump administration, arranging a call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio after his plan to spin off FIFA's commercial rights to Thrive Capital collapsed. Insider sources say the move is primarily about protecting his job rather than policy, as dissent grows within FIFA and UEFA contemplates boycotting FIFA-organized events in protest of leadership decisions.
Sen. Marco Rubio explained to Fox News' Lara Trump why he looked the way he did in the viral photo, saying he sank into the Oval Office couch when there wasn’t a pillow behind his back; he initially hated the image but now finds the memes funny, noting that doctored versions persist and mentioning Dan Scavino’s meme board.
Sen. Marco Rubio says Iran is confronting a different kind of U.S. president under Donald Trump and cannot rely on past concessions, arguing Washington will take stronger action. The remark comes as Iran escalates attacks in the region and the U.S. signals consequences while pursuing diplomacy that Trump deems meaningful, amid ongoing strikes and warnings affecting Americans and regional security.
A documentary on the late Lindsey Graham reveals him privately doubting Trump’s Iran-negotiation team, saying Kushner and Witkoff were too conflicted and that Rubio should lead talks with Iran. The footage, gathered by Alex Holder for Lindsey’s Game, spans years and includes Graham’s March remark that the war could end in weeks and his frustration with a June memorandum with Iran, offering a rare posthumous glimpse of his views on Trump’s diplomacy.
Prediction markets on Kalshi show Marco Rubio narrowly ahead of JD Vance to win the 2028 presidential election (16% vs. 15%), with Gavin Newsom at 11%. Rubio is also favored to win the general election, while Vance remains the GOP nomination frontrunner. Trump privately leans toward Vance but has not endorsed him. UNH polling indicates Vance’s lead over Rubio has shrunk dramatically (from 46 points to about 10), donors like Ken Griffin signal backing for Rubio if he runs, and White House tensions over Vance’s performance underscore a broader scramble in the race.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is prepared to play a constructive role in ending the Ukraine war after a frank meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of ASEAN in Manila. Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s openness to a political settlement and proposals discussed by Trump and Putin, while Rubio stressed that both sides have incentives to end the conflict but must accept a settlement they can both live with, noting civilian toll and Russian strikes in Kyiv, with no specifics disclosed.