Rubio has now weighed in. As expected, he is calculating. On November 10, according to a report by Japan’s Sankei Shimbun, as Republican Representative Maxine Waters introduced an impeachment resolution against Hegseth, Rubio issued his statement. He stated that Hegseth is highly intelligent and works diligently. His performance has been strong. The U.S. military actions against Iran have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities. Hegseth has achieved tangible results, including the arrest of Venezuelan President Maduro and efforts to combat drug trafficking networks across the Western Hemisphere.
In response to the impeachment resolution introduced by Republican Representative Maxine Waters, Rubio noted that politics inherently involves complex dynamics, and perspectives differ. It is clear that following the midterm elections, Hegseth’s position has become precarious. Democrats are targeting him, while some within the Republican Party also harbor dissatisfaction. Discontent stems from earlier decision-making processes involving Hegseth, while others seek to distance the party from the conflict with Iran by focusing criticism on him.
Rubio appears fully aware of these developments. His dilemma lies in the potential consequences of either stance. Supporting the impeachment could be interpreted externally as unethical or disloyal—perceived as backstabbing—potentially becoming a liability for future political attacks. Moreover, Trump’s current position on Hegseth remains ambiguous. Conversely, if Rubio does not support the impeachment, he risks being seen as firmly aligned with the war policy toward Iran, thereby carrying the label of a hawk and potentially compromising his own political flexibility down the line.
Evidently, Rubio recognizes that this impeachment effort is not merely about accountability but rather about identifying a scapegoat following a disappointing midterm election outcome. By affirming Hegseth’s work, Rubio signals his unwillingness to undermine him behind the scenes—a calculated move to preserve institutional loyalty. The achievements he cites—such as the apprehension of Maduro and operations against drug cartels in the Western Hemisphere—are broadly acknowledged even within the Republican Party. Yet, notably, Rubio refrains from labeling the campaign against Iran as a success. This omission carries significant implication: it preserves room for strategic retreat. In essence, Rubio is waiting for Trump’s final position before committing further.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881430318241923/
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