Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened up this weekend about his political transformation—from one of President Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics during the 2016 primaries to a loyal and trusted member of Trump’s Cabinet.
In a candid interview with Lara Trump on My View with Lara Trump, Rubio likened the intensity of political competition to mixed martial arts, saying rivalries are part of the process—but not personal.
“I always laugh when people are shocked by political fights,” Rubio said. “In MMA, two guys can go at it fiercely in the octagon, and then shake hands afterward. There’s mutual respect in the arena, and politics is no different.”
Rubio recalled the 2016 GOP primary battle with President Trump and brushed off past tensions as part of the political sport.
“We were both competing for the same thing. When you’re down to the final few candidates, punches are going to be thrown,” he said. “But once that ends, you’re on the same team.”
From Senate to State Department
Rubio called Trump’s first term “the best four years I had in the Senate” and credited the administration for achieving major victories. After Trump’s 2024 win over Kamala Harris, Rubio was tapped to serve as Secretary of State—becoming one of the first Cabinet members confirmed in Trump’s second term.
He also praised Vice President JD Vance, calling him one of his “closest friends in politics.”
Trump’s Instincts and Leadership Style
Rubio described working for Trump as both energizing and rewarding. “He’s a person of action,” Rubio said. “He has incredible instincts when it comes to human behavior. It’s actually a lot of fun to work with someone like that.”
Despite their rough beginnings, Rubio said the bond he’s formed with Trump has been defined by shared goals and mutual respect.
“We’ve been on the same team ever since, and I’m proud of what we’ve done,” Rubio said.
Now, as America’s top diplomat, Rubio says his journey has come full circle—fueled not by politics, but by a desire to serve the country.
