Marco Rubio advocates for ‘America first’ policy in Sec of State confirmation hearing

"Under President Trump, the top priority of the United States Department of State will be the United States,” Rubio said. “Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, every policy we pursue, must be justified by the answer to one of three questions: Does it make America safer? Does it make America stronger? Does it make America more prosperous?"

During the hearing, Rubio addressed the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, calling for a resolution that would require concessions from both sides. He urged European nations to take greater responsibility for their security, a sentiment that aligns with Trump's frequent criticisms of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Despite Trump’s past suggestions that the US might reconsider its involvement in NATO if other member nations do not increase their contributions, Rubio reaffirmed his support for the alliance. According to the New York Times, Rubio co-wrote legislation that would prevent a president from withdrawing from NATO. He once again told senators that he supports such legislation.

On Middle Eastern affairs, Rubio acknowledged the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza during the region's ongoing conflict as “one of the terrible things about war.” However, he attributed much of the blame to Hamas using civilians as human shields. He defended Israel, asserting that it does not intentionally target civilians. Rubio also addressed the threat posed by Iran, condemning the nation's nuclear ambitions and sponsorship of terrorist groups such as Hamas.

"What can not be allowed under any circumstances is a nuclear-armed Iran,” Rubio said. “What can not be allowed under any circumstances is an Iran and an Iranian regime that has the resources and capability to restart and continue their sponsorship of terrorism.”

Rubio’s nomination marks a stark departure from the foreign policy approach of the Biden administration, which has faced criticism from conservatives over issues such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, and the increasing threat of adversarial nations like Iran and China. The senator signaled a departure from President Joe Biden’s foreign policy goals by emphasizing the importance of putting American interests above all else.

“Placing our core national interests above all else is not isolationism, it is the common sense realization that a foreign policy centered in our national interest is not some outdated relic,” Rubio stated.

“For our country, placing the interest of America and Americans above all else has never been more relevant or more necessary than it is right now,” he added. “How can America promote the cause of peace on Earth if it is not first safe at home?”