Name: Marco Rubios workload: First year as not just U.S. secretary of state
Uploaded: 2025-12-19T07:59:16.508Z
Duration: 2 min 19 s
Description: Marco Rubio took on one of the most unusual workloads in the U.S. - serving not only as Secretary of State, but three other senior posts.

Marco Rubio took on one of the most unusual workloads in the U.S. - serving not only as Secretary of State, but three other senior posts.

Washington

Marco Rubio has completed his first year as U.S. Secretary of State while simultaneously serving as National Security Advisor and Acting Head of the National Archives, and until September, as Acting Administrator of USAID. This consolidation of roles has given Rubio significant influence over U.S. foreign policy, humanitarian aid, and intelligence.

Rubio has advocated for a tougher U.S. stance on Russia in Ukraine, maximum pressure on Venezuela's government, and strong support for Israel in Gaza. While supporters praise his clarity and urgency, critics question the concentration of power and the feasibility of managing multiple critical portfolios. Analysts and observers continue to debate the impact of Rubio's leadership as he enters his second year.

Marco Rubio's workload: First year as not just U.S. secretary of state

Marco Rubio's first year as U.S. Secretary of State has been anything but conventional. In addition to being America's top diplomat, he is also the National Security Advisor and the Acting Head of the National Archives, and until September was the Acting Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, responsibilities that would usually be shared between multiple senior officials. Together, these roles give Rubio sweeping influence over how the U.S. engages with the world, from humanitarian aid and diplomatic strategy to intelligence assessments and preserving historical records. On the war in Ukraine, Rubio has championed a tougher stance on Russia, pushing for faster weapons deliveries and longer-term U.S. commitment to Kiev. Supporters say he's brought clarity and urgency. Critics argue he's sidelining diplomatic options and pushing the U.S. deeper into a protracted conflict. In Venezuela, Rubio, a former senator from Florida, is widely viewed as the driving force behind U.S. policy. He's advocated for maximum pressure on the government of Nicolas Maduro through sanctions, coordinated regional diplomacy, and increased support for opposition groups and border region humanitarian relief. That approach has won influence in South America, but also accusations of increasing polarization and worsening Venezuela's economic crisis. In Gaza, Rubio has been among the strongest voices in support of Israel's war goals, calling for the eradication of Hamas and no future role for the Palestinian group in the future governance of the territory. Each of the three major U.S. government institutions Rubio oversees demands full-time leadership. Analysts say the overlapping appointments have allowed him to centralize U.S. foreign policy decision-making to a degree rarely seen in modern administrations. Yet it has also raised questions about accountability, oversight, and whether any official can realistically juggle so many critical roles. Still Rubio's allies say the arrangement reflects confidence from the White House, and argue that his assertive, security-focused approach has defined America's stance in a year of global crises. As he enters his second year, the question remains. Can Marco Rubio continue to manage Washington's most powerful national security portfolios, and what impact will that have on U.S. policy abroad? Asal Beg, Al Jazeera.

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