For Marco Rubio, the easy part is over. He was confirmed by the Senate as secretary of state with unanimous support, Democrats joining Republicans in praising his acumen and judgment. Now comes the task that will make or break his tenure: retaining the full backing of his new boss,

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is advising his department to cease refugee resettlement operations and begin ramping up vetting of visas from certain regions.

Trump’s pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency is John Ratcliffe, who formerly served as Director of National Intelligence in Trump’s first term. His confirmation hearing took place last week, during which he repeatedly said he would not hire or fire employees based on their political views.

The tactics are reminiscent of the ones taken the first time Trump entered the White House. At the time, Democrats homed in on eight nominees they would delay, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) warning against a “rushed” process.

The reported security protection removal comes despite warnings from the Biden's administration about ongoing threats from Iran.

Three US officials reportedly said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Panama as early as next week. The trip is expected to be Rubio’s first foreign travel as secretary of State.

WASHINGTON — The Senate quickly confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state Monday, voting unanimously to give President Donald Trump the first member of his new Cabinet on Inauguration Day.

President Donald Trump holds up an executive order commuting sentences for people convicted of Jan. 6 offenses in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

Hours after Trump was sworn in as president, senators confirmed his first Cabinet pick and advanced the nominations of several others through committee.

The Senate unanimously confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State Monday, making him the first Cabinet nominee to be confirmed.