MARCO RUBIO BECOMES THE FIRST HISPANIC U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, PROMISES TO PRIORITIZE DIPLOMACY AND PEACE
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Marco Rubio, is sworn as the US secretary of State. |
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Marco Rubio made history on Monday as the first Hispanic to be confirmed as U.S. Secretary of State, following his Senate approval. The son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio now occupies one of the most influential positions in the country.
His appointment is hailed as a significant milestone for both the nation and the Hispanic community, underscoring the growing political power of Latinos in America.
"I want to thank God, my family, and my parents who came here in 1956. The purpose of their lives was for us to live the dreams that were impossible for them”, Rubio said in Spanish. “It is an incredible honor to be the Secretary of State of the most powerful country in the history of all humanity, and I thank President Trump for this opportunity."
Rubio, known for his firm stance on China and his strong support for Israel, was sworn in on Tuesday and immediately outlined his key priorities. One of the most urgent goals on his agenda is resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with a focus on securing a peaceful resolution.
Rubio made it clear that ending the war would be a central pillar of U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, emphasizing that peace will require difficult compromises from both Russia and Ukraine.
A Landmark Moment for Hispanic Representation
Rubio's appointment is not only a testament to his political career but also a symbol of progress for Latino representation in the U.S. government.
Rubio's appointment is not only a testament to his political career but also a symbol of progress for Latino representation in the U.S. government.
During the swear-in, Rubio discussed his vision for the first 100 days of the Trump administration, emphasizing the need to address foreign policy in ways that prioritize American interests.
“President Trump made it very clear everything we do, and this is true in government, but especially at the Department of State, everything we do must be justified by the answer to one of three questions, does it make us stronger? Does it make us safer, and does it make us more prosperous?" Rubio said. "If it doesn't do one of those three things, we will not do it”.
“President Trump made it very clear everything we do, and this is true in government, but especially at the Department of State, everything we do must be justified by the answer to one of three questions, does it make us stronger? Does it make us safer, and does it make us more prosperous?" Rubio said. "If it doesn't do one of those three things, we will not do it”.
Rubio said he is committed to ensuring that U.S. taxpayer dollars are focused on domestic issues and that international trade agreements serve the interests of American workers and businesses.
“President Trump made clear in his inaugural speech that one of the primary goals of American foreign policies is the promotion of peace. Of course, peace through strength, and always without abandoning our values”.
Latino Opinions in Connecticut's Political Landscape
Reflecting on his own experience as a Republican in Connecticut, Ruben Rodriguez, Regional Northeast Director of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly and Minority Leader of the Waterbury City Aldermen, noted a noticeable shift in the state's political landscape, particularly among the Latino community.
"It’s interesting because, despite being the son of Cuban immigrants and working tirelessly to achieve his success, some Latinos criticize Rubio without addressing the Biden administration or its policies. This is something we need to recognize—criticism is a part of politics. What truly matters, however, is that we are all striving for a better future, regardless of our political differences".
During the 2024 presidential elections, most Latino and Hispanic voters in Connecticut preferred Kamala Harris over Donald Trump, according to a recent UCONN survey. Harris led Trump by 18 percentage points. However, the survey shows some differences between men and women. Latino women were more likely to support Harris, while Latino men were more likely to support Trump. In fact, 45% of Latino men backed Trump, while only 29% of Latino women did.
This indicates that a significant portion of Latino men in Connecticut are leaning toward the Republican Party. However, the survey also shows that the majority of Latino voters still prefer Harris and the Democratic Party. Overall, Connecticut remains a predominantly Democratic state, especially in areas with large Latino populations, but has seen a shift toward the Republican Party over recent years.
Rodriguez attributed this shift to factors such as the increasing political engagement of Latino evangelicals and a greater recognition of the Republican Party’s focus on economic growth, national security, and fiscal responsibility.
"In Connecticut, the situation has changed. Latinos have been voting more for Republicans and have become more aware of their political choices. However, we know that obtaining accurate data on the Hispanic community is difficult, as we often don't know how to collect it. Nevertheless, nationally, the Latino vote is a growing trend".
"In Connecticut, the situation has changed. Latinos have been voting more for Republicans and have become more aware of their political choices. However, we know that obtaining accurate data on the Hispanic community is difficult, as we often don't know how to collect it. Nevertheless, nationally, the Latino vote is a growing trend".
Rodriguez says that Rubio’s success as a Cuban-American immigrant rising to such a high-profile position in the U.S. government is a major accomplishment and a source of inspiration for many.
He believes Rubio’s leadership will help bring positive change, particularly in the areas of diplomacy, foreign relations, and a balanced approach to how the U.S. spends resources abroad.
Werner Oyanadel, Latino and Puerto Rican Policy Director for the Connecticut General Assembly's Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity, views Rubio's appointment as a significant achievement. He highlights that Rubio's new role symbolizes the increasing influence of Hispanics in American politics, marking an important step toward better representation.
“I think it's a big accomplishment to see more political diversity in the new Trump administration, which is why I am celebrating the nomination and confirmation of Marco Rubio as the new Secretary of the State. That is actually something to celebrate”.
Oyanadel says has big expectations for Rubio’s first 100 days in office, particularly in terms of foreign relations, pointing out to the importance of advancing negotiations and addressing geopolitical challenges, such as the U.S.'s ongoing relationship with China.
As part of his new role, Rubio will have his first bilateral meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Washington on Tuesday. The meeting will take place at the State Department's Foggy Bottom headquarters, shortly after the first QUAD ministerial meeting at the same location.
MARCO RUBIO BECOMES THE FIRST HISPANIC U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, PROMISES TO PRIORITIZE DIPLOMACY AND PEACE
Reviewed by Maricarmen Cajahuaringa
on
January 21, 2025
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