WASHINGTON, July 11 — Secretary of State Marco Rubio is at the centre of internal administration discussions over a tariff proposal designed to use economic leverage to bring Russia to the negotiating table over Ukraine. The plan, which reflects the administration’s “peace through strength” approach, is being coordinated by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and involves the Treasury Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Rubio, appointed by President Trump in January 2025, has been a vocal advocate for a strong U.S. stance against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
The Florida Republican served in the U.S. Senate from 2011 to 2025 and was a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Waltz, a former U.S. Army Green Beret and former Florida Congressman (2019-2025), is coordinating the national security strategy behind the plan.
The National Security Council, established in 1947 by the National Security Act, advises the president on foreign policy and military matters. The internal discussions are led by Rubio and Waltz, and involve the Treasury Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The administration’s “peace through strength” approach aims to use economic leverage to bring Russia to the negotiating table.
Rubio’s Senate record shows a consistent stance on Russia. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he served in the U.S. Senate from 2011 to 2025.
His appointment as Secretary of State in January 2025 placed him in a position to translate that legislative experience into executive action. The tariff proposal is not yet public. The administration’s “peace through strength” doctrine holds that economic leverage can create negotiating leverage.
The National Security Council, established in 1947 by the National Security Act, provides the institutional framework for these discussions. The council advises the president on foreign policy and military matters. Waltz’s role as National Security Advisor is significant given his military background.
A former Green Beret, he served as a Florida Congressman from 2019 to 2025. The tariff proposal represents a shift in tactics for the administration.
The administration’s stated goal is to bring Russia to the negotiating table, using economic leverage as the primary instrument. The internal discussions are ongoing, with no timeline yet for a public announcement. The involvement of the Treasury Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative suggests that vetting is still underway.
Rubio’s position as a former senator with foreign policy experience gives him credibility in these negotiations, both within the administration and with foreign counterparts. Waltz’s national security coordination ensures that the military and diplomatic dimensions are aligned with the economic pressure.
