Trump Taps Rubio for Miami Expo Showdown: America’s Golden Age or Global Gamble?

Paul Riverbank, 1/23/2026Trump taps Rubio to lead Miami’s World Expo bid—can America outshine global rivals?

For those who haven’t tracked an Expo bid before, these are world affairs with a dash of Olympic ambition and a heavy side of diplomacy. Last time in Osaka, officials counted more than 29 million visitors and bragged about “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Riyadh landed the next one, and they’re planning to “Foresight For Tomorrow.” Think of it as a global brainstorming summit—but with thousands of pavilions, uncertain traffic, and hotel rates set to make even seasoned lobbyists blink.

Trump, ever attuned to branding opportunities, made no secret of his support for Miami. “The great state of Florida has expressed strong interest in hosting the Expo in Miami, which I fully support,” he wrote, framing the project not only as a feather in America’s cap but also as a boost for jobs and economic optimism, especially in a state where both sun and spectacle are part of the sales pitch. And for Trump, it's another box checked—he still references the World Cup and LA Olympics with the relish of someone who prefers to list achievements out loud.

Whether this Expo bid will outmaneuver rivals is another matter. Both Egypt and South Korea have indicated their intent to enter the fray. Losing out on the 2030 Expo seems to have only fueled South Korea’s appetite, with Busan’s mayor all but promising a comeback tour: “Busan will continue to take on the challenge to create a better future for humanity.” Their interest means Miami won’t be winning by default.

And then—there’s Rubio. While late-night hosts have taken jabs at his ever-expanding list of high-level duties (he recently quipped on social media about having a foot in “global events and also the precious archives of the United States of America”), there’s serious work ahead. The Secretary is expected to juggle Expo planning with his roles as national archivist, top diplomat, national security advisor, and the man who quietly managed the nation’s transition approach in Venezuela. If there’s a limit to multitasking, we haven’t seen it yet.

It’s impossible to discuss this without nodding at the U.S. administration's wider approach: hands-on, energetic, sometimes controversial. Economic philosophy is a constant undercurrent. At the recent World Economic Forum, for example, CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo grilled Trump over whether government-imposed restrictions on defense companies square with a free-market ethic. He replied, “It’s very free market,” insisting such policies ultimately prioritize American interests.

For Miami, and the country at large, the World Expo’s promise isn’t only economic. These events can bring a brief sense that the center of gravity has shifted—at least for one summer—to the chosen city. If the bid succeeds, locals will brace for crowds, diplomats, maybe a traffic jam or two, and, if politicians have their way, a narrative built around American ingenuity and international leadership.

The next year will tell whether Rubio’s latest juggling act brings another global headline to Florida’s front pages, or if Miami will have to wait its turn. For now, the world is watching—and, as with so much in politics these days, the outcome feels anything but certain.

When Secretary of State Marco Rubio wakes up in the morning, he probably needs two planners instead of one. Washington’s most overextended cabinet member will now chair the U.S. campaign to snag the World Expo 2035—a high-stakes, months-long international gauntlet where each handshake in Brussels or quip on X can make the difference. News of Rubio’s expanded portfolio broke during a typically maverick Truth Social post from President Donald Trump, praising the Florida pitch for the event and sketching his vision for a “new Golden Age of America.”For those who haven’t tracked an Expo bid before, these are world affairs with a dash of Olympic ambition and a heavy side of diplomacy. Last time in Osaka, officials counted more than 29 million visitors and bragged about “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Riyadh landed the next one, and they’re planning to “Foresight For Tomorrow.” Think of it as a global brainstorming summit—but with thousands of pavilions, uncertain traffic, and hotel rates set to make even seasoned lobbyists blink.Trump, ever attuned to branding opportunities, made no secret of his support for Miami. “The great state of Florida has expressed strong interest in hosting the Expo in Miami, which I fully support,” he wrote, framing the project not only as a feather in America’s cap but also as a boost for jobs and economic optimism, especially in a state where both sun and spectacle are part of the sales pitch. And for Trump, it's another box checked—he still references the World Cup and LA Olympics with the relish of someone who prefers to list achievements out loud.Whether this Expo bid will outmaneuver rivals is another matter. Both Egypt and South Korea have indicated their intent to enter the fray. Losing out on the 2030 Expo seems to have only fueled South Korea’s appetite, with Busan’s mayor all but promising a comeback tour: “Busan will continue to take on the challenge to create a better future for humanity.” Their interest means Miami won’t be winning by default.And then—there’s Rubio. While late-night hosts have taken jabs at his ever-expanding list of high-level duties (he recently quipped on social media about having a foot in “global events and also the precious archives of the United States of America”), there’s serious work ahead. The Secretary is expected to juggle Expo planning with his roles as national archivist, top diplomat, national security advisor, and the man who quietly managed the nation’s transition approach in Venezuela. If there’s a limit to multitasking, we haven’t seen it yet.It’s impossible to discuss this without nodding at the U.S. administration's wider approach: hands-on, energetic, sometimes controversial. Economic philosophy is a constant undercurrent. At the recent World Economic Forum, for example, CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo grilled Trump over whether government-imposed restrictions on defense companies square with a free-market ethic. He replied, “It’s very free market,” insisting such policies ultimately prioritize American interests.For Miami, and the country at large, the World Expo’s promise isn’t only economic. These events can bring a brief sense that the center of gravity has shifted—at least for one summer—to the chosen city. If the bid succeeds, locals will brace for crowds, diplomats, maybe a traffic jam or two, and, if politicians have their way, a narrative built around American ingenuity and international leadership.The next year will tell whether Rubio’s latest juggling act brings another global headline to Florida’s front pages, or if Miami will have to wait its turn. For now, the world is watching—and, as with so much in politics these days, the outcome feels anything but certain.