Fresh Air Marco Rubio’s Shift From Trump Critic To Champion
30 snips
Jan 14, 2026 
Dexter Filkins, a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker and author known for his insights on war and diplomacy, dissects Marco Rubio's dramatic political turnaround from Trump critic to supporter. He explores Rubio's complex relationship with human rights, his advocacy for Ukraine, and his role in U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Venezuela. Filkins highlights internal White House dynamics, Rubio's ambition, and the implications of recent actions on U.S. diplomacy, painting a vivid portrait of a politician at the intersection of power and principle.
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Why They Kept The Army Intact
- Removing Maduro without dismantling the military risks chaos because the military is deeply corrupt and criminalized.
- Filkins says the administration opted to remove Maduro and hand power to the number two to avoid destroying the armed forces.
Power On Paper, Not In Practice
- Rubio holds formal titles but spends most of his time at the White House and functions as support staff for the president.
- Filkins contrasts Rubio's role with Henry Kissinger's activist, independent diplomacy.
Rubio Blocking A Moscow-Friendly Deal
- Steve Witkoff, an unorthodox envoy, reportedly brought back a 28-point peace plan favoring Moscow's demands for Ukraine.
- Filkins says Rubio worked to torpedo that deal, showing where he has influence in the White House fights.
