Marco Rubio became secretary of state on Donald Trump’s first day back in office, with unanimous Senate support and celebration from human rights activists from around the world. Now, just a few weeks into the role, Rubio’s old allies are reeling.
Democrats who voted for him aren’t sure if Rubio is even the one calling the shots in the department he leads as tech billionaire Elon Musk moves to consolidate his own power in the government. Human rights groups are demoralized, stuck begging for their already-funded organizations to receive those funds after Trump ordered Rubio’s department to halt aid for a review of priorities.
“Secretary Rubio has been incredible on these issues,” said Annie Wilcox Boyajian, interim president of the advocacy organization Freedom House, speaking on a panel at this year’s International Religious Freedom Summit. “I would just urge, as he undertakes his review, not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”