Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Elon Musk recently held a secret meeting to address their differences before they escalated during a heated cabinet session. According to Politico Magazine, the discussion was cordial, even lighthearted, as the two discussed the future of the State Department and the remnants of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which had been swiftly dismantled by Musk’s team following the inauguration.
Musk, acting as a top advisor to President Donald Trump, advocated for swift and significant budget cuts at the State Department. However, Rubio expressed concern about rushing these changes, given the ongoing fallout from USAID’s rapid restructuring and various global crises. He emphasized the need for a more deliberate approach to reforms within the department.
Despite their disagreements, the meeting ended on amicable terms, according to sources familiar with the situation. While tensions were evident during the subsequent White House cabinet meeting, they were less intense than initially reported. The primary point of contention was the scope of restructuring at the State Department.
Rubio’s defense of the State Department reflects his efforts to maintain influence within the Trump administration. However, his actions also underscore a broader challenge: aligning his foreign policy priorities with those of Musk and Trump while preserving his political aspirations. Gerald Feierstein, a former U.S. ambassador to Yemen, noted that Rubio is in an awkward position, supporting policies he believes are detrimental but necessary for advancing his long-term goal of becoming president.
Rubio has sought to strengthen his position by advocating for diplomatic resolutions, such as ending Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and urging Panama to distance itself from China. However, Musk’s staff reductions have weakened the State Department, undermining confidence in Rubio’s leadership. As one source observed, ‘Rubio wants to be a diplomat, but Musk’s actions are complicating his efforts.’