Americans might not fully appreciate the scale of the crisis averted between India and Pakistan. But, following a terrorist attack in Kashmir by Islamist militants based in Pakistan that killed 26 Indian tourists, the Indian government launched a series of airstrikes against its neighbor, sparking four days of heavy shelling and drone attacks between the two nuclear powers.
On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spearheaded U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire between the hostile nations. Initially, the Trump administration signaled a lack of interest in intervening, with Vice President JD Vance telling Fox News on Thursday that the fighting was “none of our business and beyond America’s control.”
But as hostilities intensified, President Donald Trump instructed Rubio to intervene and talk down the Pakistanis. He called top officials with a simple message: This needs to stop. Two days for intense American diplomatic engagement produced precisely that result. The two sides agreed to halt their escalating conflict, averting the immediate danger of a nuclear war.
From ‘Little Marco’ to trusted right hand: Trump elevates Rubio to his Mr. Fix-it man
The diplomatic win is another feather in Rubio’s cap. He has emerged as Trump’s “go-to” Cabinet member in his second term. In addition to running the State Department, Rubio serves as Trump’s interim national security adviser in the wake of Mike Waltz’s transfer to the United Nations, as acting U.S. archivist following the ouster of a Biden-era appointee, and as acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development. That’s a big plateful.
“Marco Rubio, unbelievable. Unbelievable,” Trump said in early May. “When I have a problem, I call up Marco. He gets it solved.”
Rubio’s performance at Foggy Bottom so far justifies the plaudits. After sailing through confirmation 99-0, Rubio turned to Latin America, where his five-nation tour secured numerous policy victories. This included a concession from President José Raúl Mulino not to renew Panama’s membership in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a crucial move to counter Chinese expansion in a region critical for global, and particularly, American trade.
The trip also demonstrated Rubio’s commitment to executing Trump’s deportation and migration policies. In addition to securing the deal in Panama, Rubio negotiated an agreement with the Guatemalan government that allows Guatemala to serve as a regional hub for deportations, a crucial step in managing the northward flow of migrants.
Rubio has played a key role in Trump’s commonsensical revocation of student visas for visitors who act against U.S. interests and foreign policy. Spearheading the “catch-and-revoke” policy that targets radicalized foreign students and other visa holders, Rubio has reminded the world that studying at American colleges and universities is a privilege, not a right. His State Department has revoked the visas of more than 1,800 students — and good riddance to them. In late April, Rubio wisely announced a “one-strike” policy, declaring that any noncitizen breaking U.S. laws, including minor offenses, would face visa revocation and deportation.
‘JD VANCE WILL BE THE NOMINEE IN 2028 — MARK MY WORDS’
Rubio’s role as acting administrator of USAID has been fruitful. Some 90% of its global contracts have been purged, but lifesaving programs, such as emergency food aid, have been spared. Rubio recognized that USAID, rife with waste, fraud, and criminality, urgently needed structural changes, downsizing, and a reorientation toward U.S. national and strategic interests. Gone are the days of spending tens of millions of dollars for Sesame Street in Iraq and tens of thousands for drag show workshops in Ecuador. Here are new days of leveraging aid to counter China’s growing global influence and help allies such as India.
Rubio has proven to be an effective Cabinet leader during the first four months of Trump’s second term. We hope Trump continues to use his expertise and abundant skill in the months and years to come.
