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'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.
Origin Story Versus Reality
- Rubio frames his origin as the son of Cuban exiles with a rags-to-riches story.
- Gambino notes his parents actually migrated for economic reasons before Castro's rise.
Pivot To Foreign-Policy Hawkery
- Rubio moved from immigration reform to a focus on hawkish foreign policy.
- He became known as a China and Russia hawk on the Senate Foreign Policy and Intelligence Committees.