U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Warns of ‘Clear and Imminent Threat’ From Radical Islam

WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)— U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described radical Islamic movements as posing a “clear and imminent threat” to the world, the broader West and especially the United States, which he said they view as the “chief source of evil on the planet.”

In a Dec. 3, 2025, interview with Fox News’ “Hannity,” Rubio emphasized the expansionist nature of these groups, stating they are not content with controlling limited territories.

“Radical Islam has shown that their desire is not simply to occupy one part of the world and be happy with their own little caliphate, they want to expand,” Rubio said. “It’s revolutionary in its nature. It seeks to expand and control more territories and more people … That’s a clear and imminent threat to the world and to the broader West, but especially the United States who they identify as the chief source of evil on the planet.”

Rubio, who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as the 72nd secretary of state on Jan. 21, 2025, under President Donald Trump’s second administration, made the remarks while discussing global security challenges and historical examples of U.S. military actions against such threats.

He referenced the first Trump administration’s efforts, including the destruction of the ISIS caliphate and the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, as actions aimed at countering radical Islam.

Rubio further asserted that radical Islamic movements openly target the West, including the United States and Europe, and are willing to use extreme measures to achieve dominance.

“They are prepared to conduct acts of terrorism — in the case of Iran, nation-state actions, assassinations, murders, you name it,” he said. “Whatever it takes for them to gain their influence and ultimately their domination of different cultures and societies.”

The secretary also noted that the majority of domestic terrorist attacks in the U.S. have been inspired by radical Islamic viewpoints, citing examples such as the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida.

The comments come amid ongoing U.S. foreign policy focuses under the Trump administration, including responses to violence against religious minorities in regions like Nigeria, where Rubio has announced visa restrictions for those involved in such atrocities.

Rubio’s statements reflect his longstanding emphasis on national security and counterterrorism, consistent with his record as a former Florida senator and now as America’s top diplomat.