About this episode
The episode discusses Marco Rubio's evolving relationship with Donald Trump and his role in US foreign policy as Secretary of State.
As a Florida senator, Marco Rubio seemed to hold an opposing world view to Donald Trump; on Russia-Ukraine, on China, on USAID, and more. He notably called Trump a “con man”, and Trump in turn dubbed him, “little Marco”. And yet now, as US Secretary of State, Rubio has made himself indispensable to the president on foreign affairs, bringing his own background to play in policy on Venezuela and Cuba, and shaping the US’ approach to further interventions abroad. Trump has even indicated that he wants Rubio to run on a joint ticket with JD Vance for the next US presidency. How has Rubio tailored himself to Trump’s world view? And what difference would he bring as a potential presidential candidate? Tom Bateman, the BBC’s State Department correspondent, regularly travels with Rubio, and he joins Asma on today’s show. Producers: Hannah Moore and Aron Keller Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Marco Rubio attends a Senate Appropriations subcommittee to testify about the proposed 2027 budget for the Department of State, June 3, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein.
People in this episode
Host: Tom Bateman
Guest: Marco Rubio
Topics covered
- Marco Rubio
- Donald Trump
- US foreign policy
- Russia-Ukraine
- China
- Venezuela
- Cuba
Keywords
- Marco Rubio
- Donald Trump
- foreign affairs
- US foreign policy
- Venezuela
- Cuba
- Russia-Ukraine
- China
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC, State Department
Places: Florida, USA, Venezuela, Cuba
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