WASHINGTON - In a significant shake-up of the Trump administration's national security team, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed to simultaneously serve as the National Security Adviser [1][2][3]. This move, announced on May 2, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to reshape U.S. foreign policy.

Rubio, the former Florida senator, now becomes only the second person in U.S. history to hold both these crucial positions concurrently. The last official to do so was Henry Kissinger, who served in this dual capacity for two years under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford [1][2][3].

The appointment comes as President Trump continues to implement his 'America First' vision, a policy direction that Rubio has increasingly embraced [1][2][3]. This alignment represents a notable shift from some of Rubio's previous foreign policy stances.

Rubio's expanded role comes just over 100 days into his tenure as Secretary of State, adding significant responsibilities to his already demanding position [1][2][3]. The decision to combine these roles also signals a potential restructuring of the executive branch's approach to national security.

The vacancy in the National Security Adviser position arose following the removal of Mike Waltz. Sources indicate that Waltz's departure had been anticipated for weeks, following a security breach where he inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal group chat used by top national security officials to share sensitive military plans [1][2][3].

As Rubio steps into this expanded role, questions remain about how this consolidation of power will impact U.S. foreign policy decision-making and implementation. The move also raises concerns about the workload and potential conflicts that may arise from one person holding two of the most critical national security positions in the government.

The Trump administration has not yet indicated whether Rubio's appointment as National Security Adviser is temporary or permanent, leaving room for further developments in the coming weeks [1][2][3].