Today in Focus Is Marco Rubio playing Trump?
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Jan 14, 2026 Lauren Gambino, a political correspondent for The Guardian US, dives deep into Marco Rubio's intriguing political maneuvers. She discusses Rubio's pivotal role in pushing Trump's foreign policy actions, including interventions in Venezuela. Gambino delves into Rubio's rise from an establishment figure to a key insider, influenced by his Cuban immigrant roots. The discussion also covers Rubio's adaptability to survive political changes and his ambitions regarding Cuba and NATO, highlighting his skill in navigating the complexities of contemporary politics.
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Rubio Drives Venezuela Strategy
- Marco Rubio is the driving force behind the US operation to capture Nicolás Maduro.
- Lauren Gambino says Rubio pushed Trump toward regime change in Venezuela for over a decade.
From Establishment To Inner Circle
- Rubio has become unexpectedly influential inside Trump's inner circle.
- He blends establishment respectability with MAGA alignment to maintain power.
Rubio's Early Cuba Opposition
- Rubio opposed Obama's Cuba normalization and campaigned strongly against it.
- His early focus on Latin America marked his long-term foreign-policy identity.