1 of 5 | Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is meeting with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday as the President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of state nominee. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI |
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Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Donald Trump's former primary opponent Sen. Marco Rubio called for an end to the war in Ukraine and defended Israel's military actions in its war with Hamas during a hearing before Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday.
Trump's choice for secretary of state was questioned about foreign relations, threats abroad and how he will work alongside the president-elect throughout the nearly five-hour hearing. He steered away from questions from Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., about Trump's business dealings presenting an ethical conflict in his foreign policy decisions while boasting of Trump's mandate from voters.
Trump won the electoral college and popular vote in 2024. However, his lead in the popular vote narrowed to slightly more than 1% once all votes were completely counted, accounting for less than 50% of votes cast.
"During President Trump's first term, American strength was a deterrent to our adversaries and gave us leverage in diplomacy," Rubio said. "There were no new wars. ISIS was eviscerated. [Qasem] Soleimani was dead. The historic Abraham Accords were born, and Americans were safer as a result."
On Ukraine, Rubio suggested concessions will need to be made by Ukraine and Russia to bring the war to a close but that it needs to happen.
China stands out as the biggest threat to American interests, according to Rubio.
"The 21st century will be defined by what happens between the United States and China," Rubio said.
Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, shared Rubio's concern and indicated that he supports Rubio to lead the State Department.
"Failure to deter Russian aggression, constant concessions to China and undermining support for Israel -- our allies question U.S. resolve and our adversaries believe they have a free hand," Risch said. "These days are over. Sen. Rubio, this is a long laundry list of crises. You've earned yourself one of the hardest jobs out there but after serving with you for so many years, I am confident you are the one we need to take on the threats we face."
Rubio connected the threats of Russia and China, suggesting China was instrumental in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"What the Russians have done with Ukraine would not have been possible without the assistance of China," Rubio said.
Democrats did not object to Rubio's nomination in the way they did to Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, on Tuesday. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., thanked Rubio for helping to amend the Senate rules to allow her to bring her newborn to the floor during votes.
"I want to thank you for that kindness, because you did speak to your leadership about it, and it was a moment of true bipartisanship," Duckworth said.
"What's the big deal, this place is already full of babies," Rubio recalled telling Duckworth.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., pressed Hegseth about allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse on Tuesday. He also grilled Hegseth for not disclosing these issues to Trump and his transition team. He indicated that he will not support Hegseth's confirmation.
When he faced Rubio on Wednesday, Kaine gave him his support.
"Senator Rubio, I'm very, very happy that you're nominated for this position," Kaine said.
Rubio, who was a co-writer on the 2023 bill that prevents a president from withdrawing the United States from NATO, told the committee that he remains supportive of the bill despite Trump's desire to withdraw. He also supports NATO as a whole and says Trump does, as well.
Trump has been critical of the U.S. NATO agreement, calling on other members to invest more in their defensive capabilities. Rubio shared a similar position on Wednesday.
"It's important we have alliances but we have to have alliances with strong and capable partners," Rubio said. "It's tough to say I'm not supportive of a law I helped to pass. But power of the purse still resides with Congress."
The senator echoed Trump's sentiments about Europe bolstering its security capabilities, as well. He continued to insist that alliances are important but reiterated that the United States must have "strong" allies.
The hearing was taking place as news broke that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire. Hamas has agreed to release 33 of the remaining 131 hostages that are being held captive in Gaza with more to be released in the coming days.
According to Rubio, an emerging global threat is the global market for hostages. One of his priorities is to procure the release of Marc Fogel, an American schoolteacher who has been held captive in Russia since August 2021.
The senator responded to the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its position that Israel is violating international criminal law in its war with Hamas. Rubio said the court has damaged its credibility in bringing forth the indictment.
The International Criminal Court has also indicted the leaders of Hamas.
"This is a trial run to see, 'can we go after a head of state from a nation that is not a member?'" Rubio said. "If we can go after them and we can get it done with regards to Israel they will apply that to the United States at some point."
The court has the authority to exercise jurisdiction over member states or in instances when war crimes are allegedly committed against member states. It has recognized the State of Palestine as a member since January 2015. The United States and Israel are not among the 125 members of the International Criminal Court.
He referred to the deaths of civilians in Gaza as "one of the terrible things about war." He blamed Hamas, using civilians as human shields, for the deaths of civilians.
"How can any nation state on the planet coexist with a group of savages like Hamas?" Rubio asked. "They have to defend their national security and their national interests. They didn't target citizens. One of the terrible things about war is that innocent people are caught up in it."
The 53 year old's nomination has not faced the backlash of some of Trump's other Cabinet picks. He serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"He will be a strong advocate for our nation, a true friend to our allies and a fearless warrior who will never back down to our adversaries," Trump said on social media when announcing Rubio's nomination.
If confirmed, Rubio, a Cuban American, would be the first Latino person to hold the office of secretary of state.
"Leading the U.S. Department of State is a tremendous responsibility and I am honored by the trust President Trump has placed in me," Rubio said in a statement. "Under the leadership of President Trump we will deliver peace through strength and always put the interest of Americans and America above all else."
While Rubio appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Trump's pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, was questioned by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.