Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette, gave an unusually personal joint interview Tuesday on Katie Miller's weekly podcast, offering a rare glimpse into their family life and his daily routine at the State Department. The conversation came as Rubio juggles multiple global crises and the Trump administration's reworking of U.S. foreign policy.
Rubio, who briefly served as acting national security adviser, has become a central figure in the administration's international response, even spawning a popular meme due to his many roles. But the podcast with Miller, who is married to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, focused largely on lighter fare, from his diet to his friendship with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
No Typical Day at State
Rubio described his work schedule as unpredictable, with some days starting as early as 2:30 a.m. to respond to a crisis, while others are more routine. "There's no single typical day," he said, noting that weekends are slightly slower but that President Trump's relentless work ethic sets the pace. "He works every day, all day," Rubio said, adding that "there is really no slow time when it comes to international affairs."
His typical day involves mornings at the State Department, followed by White House meetings around noon, and frequent early-morning calls with foreign leaders, sometimes starting at 7 a.m.
Rubio Skips RFK Jr.'s Diet
When asked about his eating habits, Rubio joked that he hasn't adopted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s diet of red meat and fermented vegetables. "This is a crazy diet," he said, adding that he won't "travel the world with a cooler full of sauerkraut." His wife, Jeanette, revealed his guilty pleasure: Pop-Tarts.
Cabinet's Funniest Members
Rubio named Vice President Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and RFK Jr. as the funniest members of the Cabinet. He praised Vance's wit, Bessent's unique style, and Kennedy's storytelling, saying, "Bobby has some of the greatest stories you'll ever hear." Rubio noted that his friendship with Vance dates back to their time together in the Senate.
Football and Family
If given a day off, Rubio said he'd spend it watching college football from morning to night, followed by NFL games. He joked that such a day is unlikely in the next two and a half years. His wife, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, shares his passion for the sport.
The couple has three dogs, two of which live with them in a rented military house, while one stays in Florida. Rubio also revealed that Hegseth, his neighbor, is a cat person, and that Hegseth's cat frequently visits their home. For more on that, see Rubio's feline revelation.
On the home front, Rubio admitted that his wife's phone notifications keep him up at night, a lighthearted confession that contrasted with the gravity of his diplomatic duties. The interview also touched on his potential post-political career, with Rubio hinting at a future at the intersection of culture and football.
The podcast appearance comes as Rubio faces pressure from Senate Democrats to intensify efforts to free Americans detained in Russia, a issue highlighted in recent demands from the Hill. Meanwhile, Miller's podcast has been in the spotlight amid separate controversies involving her husband's former aide, as detailed in allegations that have shaken Ohio GOP politics.
