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| Secretary of State Marco Rubio |
March 16, 2025 | Miami, Florida
In a wide-ranging interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed pressing global issues, including military strikes in Yemen, trade policies, and visa revocations. Speaking with host Margaret Brennan, Rubio outlined the U.S. government's stance on key international conflicts and domestic concerns.
U.S. Military Strikes in Yemen: “We Are Not Going to Let Them Control Global Shipping”
One of the primary topics of discussion was the ongoing military campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, who have repeatedly attacked U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. According to Rubio, the Houthis have launched 174 attacks on U.S. naval ships and 145 strikes on commercial vessels over the past 18 months.
“This is not just a message or a one-time retaliation,” Rubio stated. “This is an effort to completely remove their ability to dictate who can and cannot pass through one of the most important shipping lanes in the world.”
When asked how long the campaign would last, Rubio was firm:
“It will go on until they no longer have the capability to do that.”
While he did not confirm whether ground forces would be deployed, he stated that key figures behind the missile launches had already been neutralized and critical facilities destroyed.
Iran’s Role and U.S. Warnings
President Trump’s recent statement on the strikes also referenced Iran, which has long been accused of providing weapons, intelligence, and support to the Houthis. When asked whether the strikes in Yemen were also a warning to Iran, Rubio clarified:
“The Houthis wouldn’t have the ability to do this without Iranian support. This is a message to Iran: Stop supporting them, or you will also bear responsibility.”
Trade Policies and Tariffs: “Resetting Baseline Fairness”
Shifting to economic policies, Brennan pressed Rubio on the impact of U.S. trade tariffs, particularly the ongoing trade tensions with China, Canada, and the European Union. Rubio defended the administration’s stance, arguing that past trade policies unfairly benefited other countries at America’s expense.
He described the administration’s approach as twofold:
- Protecting Critical U.S. Industries – “We must have a strong domestic production base in industries like steel, aluminum, semiconductors, and automobiles.”
- Implementing Reciprocal Trade Tariffs – “If a country places tariffs on us, we will do the same to them. This is about fairness, not leverage.”
When asked about seemingly arbitrary tariffs, such as a proposed 200% tariff on champagne, Rubio dismissed concerns, stating:
“It’s retaliation. Other countries impose tariffs on us, so we respond. The goal is to establish a fair new trade baseline, after which we can negotiate on equal terms.”
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ceasefire Talks in Progress
Rubio also discussed recent diplomatic efforts concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, revealing that U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin was productive.
While he did not provide specifics, he stated that the administration’s priority is a ceasefire as the first step toward a more permanent resolution.
“Plan A is to get the shooting to stop. Then we can move to Plan B—negotiations for a lasting peace.”
Visa Revocations for Foreign Students: “We Don’t Need These People in Our Country”
In one of the more heated moments of the interview, Brennan questioned Rubio on the administration’s decision to revoke student visas for individuals accused of supporting Hamas.
Rubio defended the move, stating that foreign visitors are granted visas under certain conditions, and those who violate them will be removed.
“If someone comes to the U.S. and participates in pro-Hamas activities, promotes terrorism, or engages in campus vandalism, they lied to us when they applied for their visa. They wouldn’t have been allowed in if they had told the truth. So now, they’re leaving.”
When asked whether the visa revocations would be limited to pro-Palestinian supporters, Rubio responded that the policy applies to anyone promoting terrorist organizations or engaging in illegal activities. He also mentioned efforts to remove gang members from the country, referring to the administration’s recent designation of Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization.
Final Takeaway: A Hardline Approach on Global and Domestic Issues
Throughout the interview, Rubio emphasized the administration’s firm stance on military, economic, and immigration policies. From military actions in Yemen to economic tariffs and student visa cancellations, the message was clear: The U.S. is prioritizing national security, economic fairness, and law enforcement without hesitation.
As international conflicts continue to evolve and domestic policies take shape, Rubio’s statements indicate that the administration is prepared to take aggressive actions to protect U.S. interests on all fronts.
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