By — Ben Finley, Associated Press Ben Finley, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-rubio-delivers-keynote-address-at-federalist-society-national-lawyers-convention Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Rubio delivers keynote address at Federalist Society National Lawyers Convention Politics Nov 14, 2026 11:56 AM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a sweeping speech to fellow conservatives on Friday evening acknowledging that Americans are struggling in the current economy, while also railing against what he called the "weaponization" of international law to constrain the U.S. from acting in its own interests. Watch Rubio's speech in the video player above. His comments to the conservative Federalist Society touched on a core issue of the midterm elections — economic pain — that U.S. voters cited in delivering massive losses to Rubio's Republican Party. "I think we have to recognize that people are struggling. There's no doubt about it," he said. "The health of our economy has nothing to do with the stock market. The health of their economy is whether they have enough money to be able…
WATCH: Rubio delivers keynote address at Federalist Society National Lawyers Convention
In short
Addressing conservative legal scholars, the Secretary of State insisted that genuine economic health reflects the affordability of daily necessities rather than Wall Street performance. He acknowledged that the administration's military campaign against Iran's nuclear program has worsened domestic expenses, including gasoline prices. He also rejected criticisms from international organizations regarding recent hardline security operations, including fatal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels. Observers viewed the wide-ranging rhetoric as potential groundwork for a 2028 presidential campaign against Vice President JD Vance.
Key points
- The administration measures national economic health through the affordability of basic n…: The administration measures national economic health through the affordability of basic necessities rather than standard stock market performance.
- Global entities like the United Nations and the International Criminal Court are accused…: Global entities like the United Nations and the International Criminal Court are accused of weaponizing international law against American sovereignty.
- Speculation continues to mount regarding a potential 2028 presidential bid that could pit…: Speculation continues to mount regarding a potential 2028 presidential bid that could pit the top diplomat against the sitting vice president.