Donald Trump is reportedly set to appoint U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, sources revealed on Monday, positioning the Florida-born senator to become the first Latino to hold the nation’s top diplomatic role when the Republican president-elect assumes office in January.
Rubio, known for his hawkish foreign policy stance, has long championed a robust approach toward global adversaries, including China, Iran, and Cuba. In recent years, however, he has adjusted some of his views to align more closely with Trump’s vision, particularly regarding a more restrained U.S. foreign policy. Trump, who has criticized past presidents for entangling America in costly and ineffective wars, has advocated for a less interventionist approach on the global stage.
Although Trump’s unpredictable nature leaves room for last-minute changes, the sources, who spoke anonymously, suggest that Rubio’s nomination is all but confirmed. Neither Trump nor Rubio’s representatives immediately commented on the news.
The new administration will face a world fraught with uncertainty, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as a growing alliance between China, Russia, and Iran. Rubio’s approach to the Ukraine crisis will likely be a significant focus, as he has previously expressed support for a negotiated peace with Russia rather than a full territorial recovery for Ukraine. He was also among the 15 Republican senators who opposed a $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine earlier this year.
While Rubio is not considered a proponent of isolationism, his potential appointment reflects a broader shift in Republican foreign policy under Trump. The GOP, once known for advocating military intervention and aggressive foreign policy, has increasingly embraced a more cautious stance, particularly in Europe, where many Republicans feel U.S. allies are not contributing adequately to defense spending.
Rubio’s selection holds symbolic significance for the Latino community, particularly as Trump won over a sizable portion of Latino voters in the November election. By appointing Rubio, Trump may seek to strengthen his ties with this growing demographic and demonstrate that Latinos will be represented at the highest levels of his administration.
Should Rubio be confirmed, his focus on Latin America is expected to be more pronounced than that of any prior secretary of state. Mauricio Claver-Carone, a Rubio ally and former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, emphasized the historic significance of this shift, noting that Latin America will likely take center stage in U.S. foreign policy like never before.
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