President Donald Trump is turning to one of the Republican Party’s most popular figures as he seeks to bolster the GOP’s prospects amid a sharp decline in his approval ratings.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a rare appearance with Trump at a rally in Corpus Christi on Tuesday. Trump brought Rubio before the crowd and praised him as “so popular.”
The appearance came as Republicans confront a challenging political environment. Trump’s approval rating is near a historic low, while Democrats hold an advantage in national polling on the congressional ballot.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted October 22-26 showed that 32 percent of Americans approved of Trump’s job performance, compared with 66 percent who disapproved.
The survey also found Democrats ahead of Republicans among likely voters on the generic congressional ballot, 53 percent to 44 percent.
Republicans have urged Rubio to campaign for the party, viewing the former Florida senator as an influential messenger who could assist candidates in closely contested races.
Rubio, however, has largely remained away from the campaign trail. He has focused on his role as the nation’s top diplomat instead of taking part in partisan political events.
POLITICO reported that a Republican official in a state with a competitive Senate race had requested Rubio’s attendance at a political event but was told he was not participating in campaign activities because of his diplomatic responsibilities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a rare appearance with Trump at a Corpus Christi rally on Tuesday, where the president brought him before the crowd and said he was “so popular.”
Rubio was backstage and did not expect to appear onstage until Trump called him forward during the Texas rally.
A New York Times/Siena University poll conducted October 12-19 showed Vance ahead of Rubio, 33 percent to 23 percent, among Republican primary voters asked about potential 2028 presidential candidates.
Rubio’s appearance onstage Tuesday night was not part of the original plan.
A White House official told POLITICO that Rubio was backstage and did not anticipate being brought onstage when Trump summoned him during the Texas rally.
“It’s an honor to work for the greatest country in the world, for the greatest president in the history of the United States of America,” Rubio told the crowd.
“We love you, Texas.”
GOP operative Bill Cortese described Rubio to POLITICO as Trump’s “best asset” in what he called a “dog fight” in Texas. Even Rubio’s presence in the state, Cortese said, could benefit Republicans in races they must win.
The White House said Rubio was traveling with Trump as national security adviser, not campaigning on behalf of Republican candidates.
The visit also allowed the administration to highlight its policy toward Venezuela, an issue on which Rubio has been a central figure.
Republicans, nevertheless, see a wider political advantage in putting Rubio in front of voters.
Across three surveys conducted this month, POLITICO polling found Rubio was the Republican Party’s third-most popular choice to campaign for the GOP, behind Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The polling indicated that Rubio’s appeal was not limited to Trump’s most committed supporters.
About 31 percent of MAGA voters said Rubio would help Republicans if he campaigned, compared with 23 percent of Trump voters who did not identify with the MAGA movement.
The relatively small difference suggests Rubio may be able to connect with multiple parts of the Republican coalition as the party works to preserve its base while attracting additional voters.
Former Florida Representative Carlos Curbelo told POLITICO that Rubio was a significant Republican asset because he enjoys support among MAGA voters, centrists and Hispanic voters.
Rubio has also emerged as a possible contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, alongside Vance.
Although Rubio may be a popular figure within the GOP, recent polls show Vance with an advantage.
A New York Times/Siena University poll conducted October 12-19 found Vance leading Rubio 33 percent to 23 percent among Republican primary voters.
A separate Harvard-Harris survey conducted October 24-26 placed Vance at 40 percent and Rubio at 21 percent. A New Hampshire poll released October 22, however, found the two tied at 38 percent apiece.
Rubio sought the presidency in 2016 but has dismissed speculation about another White House campaign. In September, he said he had “no plans at this time” and was “100% focused on my job.”
He has also publicly endorsed Vice President JD Vance as a potential Republican nominee in 2028.
During a December 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, Rubio said that if Vance ran, “he’s going to be our nominee,” and added that he would be “one of the first people to support him.”
