Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a keynote address at the Federalist Society’s National Lawyers Convention in Washington, D.C., on November 13, addressing the Republican Party’s midterm election losses and the economic struggles facing Americans.
In his remarks, Rubio emphasized that political power extends beyond electoral outcomes, arguing that elections alone do not determine institutional influence. He stated that ‘great things that last are built in decades, not election cycles’, urging conservatives to prioritize long-term ideological engagement over short-term electoral gains. Rubio also acknowledged public economic hardship, noting that ‘people are struggling’ and that economic health is measured by affordability, not stock market performance.
The secretary of state defended U.S. military actions, including the war in Iran and the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, while criticizing what he described as the ‘weaponization’ of international law to constrain American sovereignty. He argued that ‘international law is not a neutral body of rules’ but instead reflects the priorities of global elites.
Rubio did not explicitly confirm or deny 2028 presidential ambitions, though his speech was widely interpreted as positioning him for a potential run. He denied rumors of resigning to campaign, stating that he would not challenge Vice President JD Vance if Vance seeks the nomination.
Economic Concerns Take Center Stage
Rubio’s speech directly addressed voter frustrations over economic conditions, a key factor in the GOP’s midterm losses. He acknowledged that higher costs and economic pain had driven voter dissatisfaction, contrasting the stock market’s performance with the real financial struggles of Americans. Rubio also defended the Iran war, noting its role in preventing nuclear proliferation but acknowledging its impact on gasoline prices and related costs.
Defense of U.S. Foreign Policy
Rubio reiterated support for U.S. military interventions, including the capture of Maduro and operations in Iran, framing these actions as necessary for national security. He criticized allegations of U.S. violations of international law, particularly regarding drug trafficking interdiction in the Caribbean and immigration enforcement policies, arguing that such claims reflect bias from global governance institutions.
Reactions and Speculation
Attendees at the Federalist Society event described Rubio’s speech as a strategic pivot toward long-term conservative influence, with some suggesting it bolstered his 2028 prospects. While Rubio did not confirm presidential plans, his remarks were seen as a deliberate effort to unify the GOP base following electoral setbacks. Political observers noted that his focus on institutional power beyond elections could signal a broader strategy for conservative advocacy in the coming years.