The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed three pro-Armenian nominees to key positions in President Donald J. Trump’s administration. Marco Rubio has been confirmed as Secretary of State, Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI), and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), reports Zartonk Media.
The confirmations mark a significant moment for Armenian advocacy at the highest levels of the U.S. government.
Rubio, a longtime advocate for human rights and religious freedom, has previously supported resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide and has taken strong stances against Turkey and Azerbaijan’s aggressive policies in the region. His leadership at the State Department is expected to play a critical role in shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Armenia and its regional security concerns.
Gabbard, a former congresswoman and Army Lieutenant Colonel, has consistently spoken out against Azerbaijan’s aggression and Turkey’s role in the 2020 Artsakh war. She has also co-sponsored the Armenian Genocide Resolution and has been vocal about protecting Armenian sovereignty. As DNI, she will oversee the U.S. intelligence community, ensuring national security while continuing her commitment to advocating for just policies in the region.
Kennedy, an environmental attorney and public health advocate, has used his platform to highlight Armenian issues, including the plight of Artsakh Armenians and the ongoing threat posed by Turkey and Azerbaijan. His leadership at HHS will focus on restoring transparency and accountability in public health, aligning with his long-standing commitment to justice and advocacy.
“We are pleased to see three nominees – Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. – each with strong track records of leadership on issues of special concern to our community and coalition partners, confirmed to cabinet level positions. They stood with us – through some of the darkest days of the past century for the Armenian nation – just as we stand with them as they take on these influential positions,” ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian told Zartonk Media.
All three candidates have championed pro-Armenian legislation, with Gabbard and Rubio receiving A+ ratings from the ANCA during their tenures in Congress and Senate.
With these confirmations, the Armenian-American community sees strong allies in the new administration, raising expectations for continued engagement and support on key issues affecting Armenia and Artsakh.
