 "Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump and and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) react during a campaign event at Dorton Arena, in Raleigh, North Carolina, US, November 4, 2024. File Image/Reuters")
Donald Trump is expected to appoint Marco Rubio as the next US Secretary of State, positioning the Florida senator to become the first Latino to serve as the nation’s top diplomat.
Rubio’s potential appointment, first reported by The New York Times, would not only signal a key strategic direction in foreign policy but also reflect Trump’s intention to maintain a firm stance on global issues.
This likely selection of Rubio, who is both hawkish on specific foreign adversaries and seasoned in US intelligence, represents a shift within the Republican Party from traditional interventionist policies to a more calculated, restrained approach.
Despite the possibility of last-minute changes, sources close to the Trump team suggest this decision has largely solidified.
All about Marco Rubio & his politics
Marco Antonio Rubio, born May 28, 1971, has long been a prominent figure in American politics. A Cuban American from Miami, he served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2008 and has held the role of senior US senator for Florida since 2011.
Known for his steadfast views on foreign policy and deep connections within the Republican Party, Rubio also made a notable bid for the presidency in 2016. Though unsuccessful, the campaign elevated his profile, especially his influence on US policy in Latin America, where he was described as a “virtual secretary of state for Latin America.”
How Rubio will shift Republican foreign policy views
Historically, Rubio has promoted a robust foreign policy, particularly concerning U.S. rivals like China, Iran, and Cuba. Yet over recent years, he has moderated some of these positions to align with Trump’s focus on avoiding extensive US military involvement.
“America is the greatest country the world has ever known, but we have serious problems at home and dangerous challenges abroad,” Rubio has said, underscoring his belief in a balanced domestic and foreign policy approach. He has highlighted his commitment to a “multi-ethnic, working-class coalition” that would strive to resolve these complex issues.
A significant voice on the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio has consistently advocated for an assertive stance on China, earning himself sanctions from Beijing in 2020 for his criticisms of Chinese actions in Hong Kong.
He also called for a national security investigation into the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok , prompting US efforts to regulate foreign tech influence. Rubio’s tough stance on China aligns with Trump’s foreign policy and sends a clear message of anticipated US-China tensions under a second Trump administration.
Latin America in focus under Rubio
If confirmed, Rubio would bring a new focus to Latin American policy, an area in which he has long been an influential voice. Quoted by Reuters, Mauricio Claver-Carone, a former National Security Council adviser and ally of Rubio, asserted, “This is the time Latin America will most be on the map in the history of any US presidency. It’s historic.”
Rubio has often taken a hard line on Latin American regimes, notably in his outspoken criticism of the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro and his opposition to normalising relations with Cuba.
His heritage and political experience may strengthen Trump’s appeal among Latino voters, especially after the demographic shift seen in the recent election, in which more Latino voters turned to the Republican Party.
Rubio’s evolving relationship with Trump
Rubio’s relationship with Trump has evolved significantly since the heated 2016 presidential primary, where Rubio, once a top contender, withdrew after losing his home state of Florida to Trump.
In a debate, Rubio famously criticised Trump, saying he was “not going to make America great. He’s gonna make America orange.” Despite this history, Rubio ultimately endorsed Trump for the 2016 presidential election and has since become a crucial supporter, even advising Trump on foreign policy matters and helping with debate preparations against Joe Biden in 2020.
During Trump’s 2024 campaign, Rubio was considered for vice president, though the role eventually went to JD Vance of Ohio. However, Rubio has remained close to the administration’s inner circle, and his experience with both the Senate Intelligence Committee and Foreign Relations Committee made him an appealing candidate for Secretary of State.
Speaking to CNN, sources familiar with Trump’s cabinet selection process said that while Ric Grenell was a leading candidate initially, Trump ultimately chose Rubio after discussions with his allies and the senator’s supporters.
Rubio on Ukraine & foreign military aid
Rubio’s possible appointment also highlights an ongoing shift within the Republican Party toward a more cautious approach to US involvement in foreign conflicts. Rubio was one of 15 Republican senators who voted against a $95 billion military aid package to Ukraine in April, advocating instead for a negotiated settlement to end the conflict with Russia.
“I’m not on Russia’s side – but unfortunately the reality of it is that the way the war in Ukraine is going to end is with a negotiated settlement,” Rubio told NBC in September.
Though he is not the most isolationist figure among Trump’s allies, Rubio’s stance reflects a growing Republican consensus that the US should limit its role in foreign wars, particularly in regions like Europe, where some Republicans believe US allies should bear more responsibility for their own defence.
Rubio’s committee roles
Now in his third Senate term, Rubio holds several key committee positions that bolster his foreign policy credentials, including Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a senior role in the Foreign Relations Committee.
His influence extends into areas of domestic policy as well; he’s a member of the Committee on Appropriations and has served as chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
His combined experience has given him insight into both domestic and international priorities, including his focus on strengthening the US economy and addressing workforce challenges through educational reform and training programs.
Rubio’s extensive record has made him a formidable candidate for United States Secretary of State, likely impacting US policy in Latin America, countering Chinese influence, and redefining America’s engagement in conflicts worldwide.
If confirmed, Rubio will face an international landscape that is arguably more complex than when Trump first took office, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, an assertive China, and a restructured balance of power globally.
With inputs from agencies