From Trump Opponent to Trump Loyalist: The Evolution of Marco Rubio

In this episode of NPR’s Consider This, host Scott Detrow delves into the political transformation of Senator Marco Rubio, charting his journey from a vocal opponent of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential race to becoming a staunch Trump supporter and his eventual appointment as Secretary of State in the Trump administration. National political reporter Marianne Levine joins the discussion to provide a comprehensive analysis of Rubio's evolving stance and its broader implications for the Republican Party.

Marco Rubio’s Contemporary Role and Alignment with Trump

Scott Detrow opens the discussion by highlighting Senator Marco Rubio’s conventional political background compared to other members of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet. Rubio, a seasoned politician with over a decade of experience on foreign relations and intelligence committees, has maintained unwavering support for Trump throughout the recent campaign cycle.

• Notable Interaction:
  • [00:40] Margaret Brennan: "Without using rhetoric like that?"
  • [00:43] Donald Trump: “But Donald Trump doesn't talk like someone who's been in Washington for 30 years training dogs...”

Detrow emphasizes Rubio’s approach to Trump's often abrasive rhetorical style, illustrating how Rubio navigates and responds to Trump’s communication tactics on national platforms.

Contrast with the 2016 Presidential Campaign

The episode draws a stark contrast between Rubio’s current demeanor and his aggressive stance during the 2016 Republican primaries. Initially seen as a rising star within the GOP, Rubio was a primary critic of Trump, branding him as a “con artist” and cautioning against his leadership style.

• Key Moments from 2016:
  • [02:01] Detrow: “Eight years ago, when he ran against Trump, Rubio called him a con artist. He called his style of leadership dangerous.”
  • [05:03] Trump’s Mockery: “Little Marco...have you seen his hands? They’re like this.”

Rubio’s attempts to maintain a high-ground, policy-focused campaign contrasted sharply with Trump’s populist and often personal attacks, such as mocking Rubio’s nickname “Little Marco” and making derogatory comments about his physical attributes.

Turning Point: Endorsement and Rapid Alignment with Trump

A significant turning point in Rubio’s political trajectory occurred when he endorsed Trump in May 2016, despite their contentious primary battle. This endorsement marked the beginning of a swift and strategic alignment with Trump’s administration.

• Collaboration Highlights:
  • [09:25] Levine: “Rubio works closely with the Trump administration on Latin America policy... described him as a virtual secretary of state for the administration.”
  • [10:06] Trump Rally Moment: Rubio publicly supported Trump by highlighting and countering Joe Biden’s negative remarks about Trump supporters.

Levine notes that Rubio’s quick reconciliation and collaborative efforts with Trump exemplify his adaptability and strategic positioning within the evolving Republican landscape.

Policy Shifts and Implications for Secretary of State Role

The episode delves into Rubio’s policy evolution, particularly his recent vote against a substantial $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel. This decision marked a significant departure from Rubio’s previous support for such initiatives, aligning more closely with Trump’s foreign policy skepticism.

• Key Policy Shift:
  • [11:28] Levine: “Rubio voted against the foreign aid bill, citing the federal government wasn’t doing enough on the border.”
  • [12:24] Detrow: “Rubio's reasoning was related to domestic border issues, signaling a shift towards Trump-aligned priorities.”

This policy pivot not only surprised Rubio’s long-time associates but also indicates a broader trend within the Republican Party towards populist and nationalist policies under Trump’s influence.

Broader Implications for the Republican Party

Marianne Levine provides insight into how Rubio’s transformation reflects the larger realignment within the Republican Party. The shift towards a more populist and Trump-aligned stance has significant ramifications for future GOP strategies and policy directions.

• Party Realignment:
  • [07:27] Trump: “I chose a different route... because the politics of resentment against other people will not just leave us a fractured party, they're going to leave us a fractured nation.”
  • [08:54] Levine: “Rubio's recognition of where the party is headed indicates a move towards a more populist approach.”

Rubio’s journey underscores the Republican Party’s departure from traditional conservative values towards a platform heavily influenced by Trump’s populist rhetoric and policies.

Conclusion: Rubio’s Future as Secretary of State

Scott Detrow concludes by reflecting on the significance of Rubio’s political evolution. His transition from a potential presidential contender to a key Trump ally and Secretary of State nominee illustrates the profound impact Trump has had on reshaping the Republican Party’s identity and leadership dynamics.

• Final Thoughts:
  • [02:24] Detrow: “Marco Rubio's political evolution says a lot about how The Republican Party has remade itself around Donald Trump and it gives us some clues about how he might operate as Secretary of State.”

The episode provides a nuanced examination of Marco Rubio’s shifting political stance, offering valuable insights into the ongoing transformation of the Republican Party and what it means for American politics moving forward.

Key Quotes for Reference:

• [00:43] Donald Trump: “But Donald Trump doesn't talk like someone who's been in Washington for 30 years training dogs...”
• [05:03] Trump’s Mockery: “Little Marco...have you seen his hands? They’re like this.”
• [09:25] Levine: “Rubio works closely with the Trump administration on Latin America policy... described him as a virtual secretary of state for the administration.”
• [11:28] Levine: “Rubio voted against the foreign aid bill, citing the federal government wasn’t doing enough on the border.”
• [02:24] Detrow: “Marco Rubio's political evolution says a lot about how The Republican Party has remade itself around Donald Trump and it gives us some clues about how he might operate as Secretary of State.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, providing a thorough understanding of Marco Rubio’s political journey and its significance within the broader context of American politics.