Trump's Terms All eyes are on Rubio as he navigates the world in 2 critical roles
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Jan 27, 2026 
Franco Ordoñez, NPR White House correspondent covering national security and foreign policy, breaks down Marco Rubio’s new dual role managing State and national security. Short takes cover the historical Kissinger parallel, Rubio’s Venezuela plan, tensions over a slimmed NSC, and worries about post-operation planning across global hotspots.
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Rubio Took On Two Historic Roles
- President Trump asked Marco Rubio to take on both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor roles this spring.
- Franco Ordonez reports Rubio is the first person to hold both roles since Henry Kissinger in the 1970s.
Consolidation Cuts Checks Or Boosts Efficiency
- Critics say consolidating roles weakens institutional checks and the NSC's honest-broker function.
- The administration argues the streamlined NSC is more efficient and aligned with the president's priorities.
Focus On Execution Raises Post-Operation Questions
- Observers worry planning may have emphasized military execution over detailed post-operation political strategy.
- Administration officials say Rubio has a three-phase plan and warn against rushing to elections without stability.