A decade ago, Marco Rubio described Donald Trump as 'a con artist.' Now, as Trump's secretary of state, Rubio is studiously deferential to his boss.
Rubio has emerged as one of Trump's most valued courtiers, lending coherence to his foreign policy and backing his hawkish turn.
With Trump's endorsement, Rubio could be in a strong position to run for president again in 2028, but his path is fraught with challenges.
Rubio has had to be ruthless and chameleon-like to rise in Trumpworld, adapting his views to suit his master's.
His defenders say he restrains Trump's excesses, but critics doubt his sincerity, calling him 'a MAGA drag queen.'
Rubio's star is rising in betting markets, but opinion polls show he trails behind J.D. Vance in net favourability ratings among Republican voters.
