Donald Trump plans to appoint a US senator Marco Rubio as State Secretarymaking the Florida-born politician the first Latino to serve as America’s chief diplomat when the newly elected Republican president takes office in January.
Historically, Rubio has been considered the most assertive candidate on Trump’s secretary of state shortlist, previously advocating a strong foreign policy approach toward countries such as China, Iran and Cuba.
In recent years, he has adjusted his views to better align with Trump’s perspectives. The president-elect criticizes previous US administrations for their involvement in costly wars and advocates a more limited approach to foreign policy.
Sources who spoke anonymously about private conversations indicated that while Trump is known for his last-minute changes, he appeared to have made his decision on Monday.
The new administration faces significant global challenges, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, while China strengthens its ties with Russia and Iran.
Ukraine will be a priority for Rubio. The 53-year-old senator recently suggested that Ukraine should pursue diplomatic solutions with Russia instead of focusing on territorial recovery. He was one of 15 Republican senators who opposed a $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine in April.
“I am not on Russia’s side, but unfortunately the reality is that the war in Ukraine will end with a negotiated settlement,” Rubio told NBC in September.
The selection has both international and domestic significance. Trump’s victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on Nov. 5 was partially credited with a surge Latino supporta demographic group showing increasing political diversity Republican voters.
On China, Rubio maintains a firm stance. In 2019, he initiated a national security review of the TikTok Musical.ly acquisition. As the leading Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, he continues to push for restrictions on Huawei.
Of his Cuban descentWith his grandfather leaving Cuba in 1962, Rubio strongly opposes normalizing relations with the Cuban government, in line with Trump’s position. He also regularly criticizes the Venezuelan Maduro government in his role overseeing Latin American affairs.