Former U.S. senator from Florida and conservative stalwart Marco Rubio is the first of President Trump’s cabinet members to be confirmed by the United States Senate. He was confirmed with overwhelming bipartisan support (99-0) to be the next secretary of state.

Secretary Rubio has been a strong critic of some of the most dangerous enemies of liberty, like China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba. His passion is no surprise to those who know his personal story as the son of a Cuban exile.

One of the shameful acts President Joe Biden took in his final days in office was to inexplicably remove Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Thankfully, President Trump has already reversed course.

Secretary Rubio is also a strong supporter of Israel. During his confirmation hearing, he boldly told Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania) when probed about the October 7^th Hamas terrorist attack, “If you cannot come in [to the U.S.] because you’re a supporter of Hamas, you shouldn’t be able to stay on a visa if you’re a supporter of Hamas.”

With this appointment, President Trump has put the world on notice. That message has been bolstered by some of his executive orders affecting our international relations, such as the pullout of the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement.

One of the first moves of the new Trump State Department has been one long desired by Concerned Women for America (CWA): no more pride or other radical flags at U.S. embassies around the world. Under President Biden, Secretary Antony Blinken encouraged diplomats to fly pride flags, and even the White House was draped in it for so-called pride month.

Over the years, CWA has heard from allies worldwide who have warned about the United States exporting these radical ideas internationally. But thanks to President Trump and our new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, the only flag that will fly in U.S. facilities from now on will be the United States flag. This major positive development will benefit the U.S. in its foreign relationships going forward by refocusing our efforts on what unites us as a country, instead of placating radical, political activist groups. As CWA CEO and President Penny Nance once wrote, “Our flag embodies the principles of individual liberty and justice for all. It should be the final word and symbol for every identity group. We are all Americans and that’s all the world needs to know.”