This is the transcript of an interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio that aired on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on March 16, 2025.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We are joined this morning by Secretary of State Marco Rubio from Miami, Florida. Mr. Secretary, for our viewers, could you clarify the significance of the Red Sea area as a transit point for global shipping? The Houthis from Yemen have been causing disruptions there for some time. President Trump highlighted these issues during his announcement of the strikes. How long do you anticipate this campaign will continue, and will it include ground forces?
U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO: First and foremost, this is a critical shipping lane. Over the past 18 months, the Houthis have attacked 174 naval vessels of the United States and have launched 145 attacks on commercial shipping. Essentially, we are dealing with a group of pirates equipped with advanced anti-ship weaponry, disrupting one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes. This situation is unsustainable. We cannot allow them to dictate which ships are allowed passage. To answer your question, this campaign will persist until they are incapable of continuing these actions.
MARGARET BRENNAN: What does U.S. intelligence indicate at this juncture? The U.S. has been conducting strikes for some time but hasn’t stopped the Houthis–
SECRETARY RUBIO: Correct.
MARGARET BRENNAN: What will be different this time? Do you have more reliable intelligence that will enhance this operation’s success?
SECRETARY RUBIO: These previous strikes were retaliatory. They launched a missile, we hit back at the launcher. However, this is not simply a message; this is a decisive campaign to deny them the ability to control shipping. We refuse to let them dictate the movement of our vessels or any others. It is not only about the U.S.; we are undertaking this action for the benefit of global shipping. The objective is clear, and it will continue until it is accomplished. The previous administration did not take such action—merely responding to attacks. This time, we will eliminate their capacity to control maritime movement.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Does this imply that ground operations may be necessary?
SECRETARY RUBIO: Military decisions regarding ground operations are yet to be discussed, but I haven’t heard any indication that they are needed right now. As of last night, some key figures involved in the missile launches have been neutralized, and their operational facilities are being dismantled. The bottom line is straightforward: these individuals cannot continue to control passage in these waters. They have assaulted the U.S. Navy 174 times, and we will not tolerate such aggression.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The President also addressed Iran in his statement, noting its support for the Houthis. Can you provide context for this? U.S. intelligence has suggested that Israel intends to act against Iran’s nuclear program in the upcoming months. President Trump has extended an offer for negotiations. Have there been any responses from Iran? Is this strike in Yemen a message to them?
SECRETARY RUBIO: This Yemen strike directly concerns the Houthis’ ability to target global shipping and attack the U.S. Navy. Their history of attacking us 174 times and targeting global commercial shipping informs this action. It is essential to highlight that the Iranian regime has supported the Houthis with intelligence, guidance, and weaponry. The Houthis wouldn’t have the capability they possess without Iran’s backing. Therefore, this is a message to Iran: if you continue supporting the Houthis, you will be complicit in their attacks on international shipping.
MARGARET BRENNAN: There’s also potential backing from Russia, for which you have applied sanctions. Shifting gears to trade, you were in Canada just last week. China ranks as Canada’s second-largest export market, and Mexico is third. Given the ongoing trade tensions, isn’t there a risk that China might ultimately benefit? If engaging with the U.S. proves too costly, wouldn’t they win?
SECRETARY RUBIO: Interestingly, China and Canada are currently engaged in their own mini trade conflict. The Chinese have instituted several retaliatory tariffs against Canada following Canada’s own tariffs on them. The key to understanding this issue is that the President firmly believes the global trade balance is skewed. For decades, we’ve allowed other nations to take advantage of us, primarily during the Cold War to support allies, a dynamic that must now change.
Take the European Union, for example; its economy is on par with ours, and it’s not a low-wage economy. So why does it maintain a trade surplus with the U.S.? The President’s stance aims to address this inequity on two fronts. First, he believes in fostering critical domestic industries, including aluminum, steel, semiconductors, and automobile manufacturing, by creating economic incentives to produce within the U.S. The second aspect is about global fairness—implementing reciprocal tariffs based on what other countries enact against us. Ultimately, we’ll strive for new trade arrangements that benefit all parties involved, ensuring fairness throughout.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So this approach is about leveraging bilateral negotiations rather than free trade deals, correct?
SECRETARY RUBIO: It’s not merely leverage—
MARGARET BRENNAN: Renegotiation, then?
SECRETARY RUBIO: No, it transcends that; it’s about establishing fairness. We need to reset the baseline to ensure that trade is not just free but equitable. Currently, it is skewed in favor of one side, and that imbalance is unsustainable.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The ad hoc nature of these policy changes is causing concerns in the market, evident from last week’s events. You seemed to outline a strategy aiming for bilateral negotiations, emphasizing national security. Yet we also hear the President mentioning 200% tariffs on champagne, which seems more reactionary.
SECRETARY RUBIO: That is retaliation—trade exchanges often lead to such responses. If they raise tariffs, then it’s reasonable for us to respond. For instance, Canada is targeting whiskey and orange juice as part of their retaliation—
MARGARET BRENNAN: In retaliation, yes.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Precisely, which is rather petty. The reality is, I understand their dissatisfaction; the status quo favors them. However, we are committed to redefining that status quo, and if necessary, negotiating terms that are equitable for both parties. We cannot allow the current situation to persist.
MARGARET BRENNAN: I want to address Russia briefly. You mentioned last week’s meeting between envoy Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin, hoping it would clarify our trajectory toward a ceasefire. After speaking with Sergey Lavrov yesterday, is it indicative of any delay tactics by Russia?
SECRETARY RUBIO: I found that meeting promising. However, as I’ve emphasized, we will not discuss negotiations publicly. While there are hurdles, the situation is nuanced; this complex war has persisted for three years along an extensive front. To be clear, our Plan A is to establish a ceasefire—a vital first step toward Plan B, which involves negotiations to achieve an enduring resolution that respects the needs of all parties. Divisive actions cannot continue if we wish to negotiate effectively.
MARGARET BRENNAN: We will delve deeper into that issue later in the program with Envoy Witkoff. Additionally, I want to address your recent decision to revoke a visa for a student at Columbia University. The Wall Street Journal editorial board cautioned the administration to ensure that it doesn’t inadvertently target individuals based solely on controversial viewpoints. Can you provide evidence of any material support for terrorism related to this student?
SECRETARY RUBIO: Yes, there is.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Was this support specifically linked to Hamas, or is this rooted solely in his political beliefs?
SECRETARY RUBIO: The case extends beyond this individual; we are reviewing several visa revocations. When someone applies for a visa, they make specific assertions regarding their intentions. If someone states that they plan to participate in pro-Hamas activities, that contradicts U.S. foreign policy interests. Thus, they misrepresented their intentions, and we would not have approved their visa had we known.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But is there substantial evidence linking this student to terrorist activity beyond just a viewpoint?
SECRETARY RUBIO: Absolutely. It is well-documented these groups conduct themselves as such. Numerous reports highlight individuals engaging in vandalism on campuses—
[CROSSTALK]
MARGARET BRENNAN: We have extensively covered those events. I am inquiring about the specific evidence against this student.
SECRETARY RUBIO: This individual served as a spokesperson for those who took over a campus and vandalized facilities. That is itself a crime. We do not want such individuals in our country. If he had been upfront about his intentions to disrupt academia, we would have denied him entry. Now that we know, he will be removed, and this policy will be applied consistently.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Are only pro-Palestinian individuals being targeted for visa revocation, or are other viewpoints included?
SECRETARY RUBIO: Anyone who promotes terrorism, regardless of their stance, is at risk. For instance, we need to address members of the Tren de Aragua gang, which we have designated as a terrorist organization. Our priority is removing anyone involved in undermining national security.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you, Secretary Rubio. We would like to have you back to discuss more topics. Unfortunately, we have to conclude for now.
SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Face the Nation will return shortly.
