
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, seems to be the person who is enjoying the moment the most within Donald Trump's administration.
Last weekend, he appeared as a DJ at a family wedding, headphones in and moving to the beat of the music. In midweek, he was at the White House, at the press conference, where he also read rap verses and joked with reporters, saying "two more questions," but then going on to have seven more.
Then, at the end of the week, he found himself at the Vatican, where he was accompanied by the Papal Swiss Guard to a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, who has previously been criticized by the American president and vice president.
Rubio is emerging as a "smiling warrior," more calm and humorous than aggressive in political confrontations.
In an ordinary moment, this behavior would seem like just a politician seeking attention, but the political situation in the US is tense: fuel prices are rising, Republicans' prospects for the midterm elections are weakening, and the war launched by Trump against Iran has no clear end.
The president faces high levels of discontent, several cabinet members have been fired, and others are under pressure. Meanwhile, key figures like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and FBI Director Kash Patel are facing investigations and controversy.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is managing the conflict with Iran and the tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz, while Vice President JD Vance has also been involved in negotiations and supporting war policies.
In this atmosphere, Rubio seems relaxed, active and omnipresent. This has fueled speculation that he may be preparing for a presidential run in 2028.
Although people close to him and Vance deny any rivalry and say they are close allies, there is talk within the Republican Party about a possible future race for the presidency.
At the end of a press conference, a reporter asked Rubio: "What is your hope for America right now?"
He responded with a long speech, where he said that the US should remain the place where every person, regardless of origin or circumstances of birth, can achieve anything.
His speech seemed like a long-prepared political message, almost like a covert campaign. (The Atlantic)