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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From Critic To Normalizer
- Marco Rubio now normalizes extreme Trump actions by praising the president then explaining them as routine.
- Dexter Filkins argues Rubio has had to ditch much of his prior foreign-policy principles to serve as an enabler.
An Ally Left Behind
- Maria Corina Machado was once Rubio's ally and led the Venezuelan opposition while living in hiding.
- After the raid, Trump dismissed her and the administration turned toward Maduro's number two, abandoning Machado.
Notes That Backfire Publicly
- Rubio's private attempts to steer Trump can backfire publicly, as when Trump read aloud a note Rubio passed him at an oil meeting.
- The episode highlights Rubio's role trying to manage Trump's impulses in front of business and media.
