Marco Rubio was sworn in as secretary of state on Tuesday, making him the first of President Trump’s Cabinet picks to take office. 

Vice President J.D. Vance officiated the ceremony, saying his friendship with Mr. Rubio dates back to their time in the Senate. Mr. Vance represented Ohio while Mr. Rubio represented Florida.

Surrounded by his wife and children, Mr. Rubio put his hand on the Bible and took the oath.

“The priority of the United States Department of State will be the United States. It will be furthering the national interests of this country,” Mr. Rubio said in brief remarks during the ceremony.

He said the primary interest of the Trump administration through the State Department is to make the country stronger, safer and more prosperous.

“If it doesn’t do one of those three things, we will not do it,” he said. 

Mr. Rubio said Mr. Trump’s election was a “transformational moment” and vowed to use his position to promote “peace through strength.”

He also delivered remarks in Spanish. 

The Senate on Monday confirmed Mr. Rubio in a 99-0 vote as his former colleagues in the Senate touted his qualifications for the job. 

Mr. Rubio represented Florida in the Senate since 2011 and resigned Monday upon Mr. Trump’s inauguration. He has extensive foreign policy experience and among Trump’s nominees was believed to have the easiest path to confirmation.

He has taken hardline positions on China, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba and will inherit the position facing a number of challenges. Russia’s war in Ukraine, violence in the Middle East and China’s aggression against Taiwan are among the challenges facing Mr. Rubio.

Mr. Trump has suggested using military force or economic coercion to gain control of Greenland and the Panama Canal as well as possibly annexing Canada as the 51st state. Mr. Rubio will surely have a big role to play in Mr. Trump’s expansionist desires.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.