Current Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio, was chair of the senate select committee on intelligence (SSCI) and a Gang of Eight member since day one of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Due to his role in the Gang of Eight Senator Rubio was briefed on all the covert activities being carried out in Ukraine by the CIA and Pentagon.

That is why when Secretary of State Marco Rubio told media months ago that “Ukraine was a proxy war for the United States against Russia,” it was a jaw-dropping statement. If anyone would know the receipts, it’s the former Chair of the SSCI, who became the Secretary of State.  However, to say the truth so openly and publicly was something entirely unexpected, especially from Rubio.

As Secretary of State Rubio represented President Trump’s America-First foreign policy and national security interests very effectively, many people were shocked at the seemingly 180° degree turn Rubio took to represent the MAGA perspectives.  Rubio adroitly navigated the media with exceptional support for President Trump’s positions, and diplomatic action to back it up.

While most of us continue watching Rubio closely, obviously President Trump saw the unique perspectives held by the former Senator on intelligence matters.  President Trump then appointed Rubio to a dual role as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State.

While the Secretary of State represents the public face of President Trump’s diplomatic policy toward the world, the Nat Sec Advisory represents President Trump’s outward view to the global intelligence network. Marco Rubio now carries both extremely important titles and responsibilities.

Keeping in mind the prior statements by Rubio about Ukraine being a proxy state for U.S. operations against Russia, both Marco Rubio and President Trump have been mostly silent and very measured in their comments about Russia after the Ukraine attack on the Russian nuclear-capable bombers.

Obviously, both Secretary Rubio and President Trump know the Senate control of the BBB is unfortunate timing for their solutions to the Ukraine-Russia war. Their solution is likely to be something the Senate will not like.  The Senate will never publicly admit that Ukraine is a U.S. proxy war against Russia.

However, while the Senate needs to retain these ridiculous pretenses, ultimately Russian President Vladimir Putin does not.  Putin is well aware of the USA support level, open and covert, taking place within Ukraine.  This is the context for all of President Trump’s communication with Putin.

You can even pull that context out of President Trump’s statement following his recent conversation with President Putin, “it was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace.” The key word there is “immediate.”  The implication is that Peace can be achieved but some forward factors need to be addressed first.

We are in this weird place where parts of our government (Senate and media) are pretending the Russia-Ukraine conflict is something, while simultaneously part of our government (executive) are clear-eyed and not pretending.

The pretending part of our government now holds a key piece of President Trump’s domestic agenda, the Big Beautiful Bill, in their control.  President Trump and Marco Rubio careful not to apply pressure that could weaken their geopolitical objective with Russia.

Again, the 2025 Marco Rubio is not a familiar person who have followed republican politics.  Rubio has been one of the biggest positive surprises of the administration so far.  In a position of such importance to President Trump, and with this level of responsibility being used effectively, Rubio is well positioned to achieve support in 2028.