WEST PALM BEACH, Florida: Donald Trump is expected to appoint U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, sources revealed on Monday. If confirmed, Rubio, the Florida-born politician, would become the first Latino to hold the role, marking a historic moment for U.S. diplomacy under the incoming Republican administration set to begin in January.
Rubio, known for his hawkish foreign policy stances, has long advocated for a robust approach to addressing geopolitical challenges from nations like China, Iran, and Cuba. Over recent years, his positions have evolved to more closely align with Trump's approach to foreign policy, which favors restraint and critiques of past U.S. military interventions.
Despite Trump's tendency to make last-minute changes, sources suggest that the selection of Rubio appears to be a settled decision as of Monday. Both Trump and Rubio's representatives declined to comment on the matter.
As the new administration steps into office, it will face a volatile international landscape, with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and growing tensions with China, particularly as it deepens its ties with Russia and Iran.
Rubio's stance on Ukraine will likely become a key focus of his tenure, as he has previously voiced support for a negotiated settlement with Russia, rather than pursuing the full reclamation of territories seized by Russia in recent years. Rubio also voted against a significant military aid package for Ukraine in April.
Though not an isolationist, Rubio's potential selection reflects a broader shift in Republican foreign policy, with many of Trump's allies advocating for more restrained U.S. involvement abroad, especially in Europe.
Domestically, Rubio's appointment is seen as a significant move to strengthen Trump's appeal to Latino voters. Rubio’s selection could help solidify the Republican Party's growing support among Latinos, a demographic that has been diversifying politically, with more members voting Republican in recent elections.
If confirmed, Rubio is expected to prioritize Latin America more than previous secretaries of state, making the region a central focus of U.S. foreign policy. This could be a key aspect of Trump's strategy to further integrate Latinos into his administration at the highest levels.
Rubio has earned a reputation as a staunch critic of China, advocating for hardline policies, particularly in response to the Chinese government’s actions in Hong Kong and with technology companies like Huawei. He has also been a vocal opponent of normalizing relations with Cuba, consistent with Trump's views on the matter.
In addition to his strong stance on Cuba and China, Rubio’s work on Venezuela and Latin American affairs positions him as a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy in these regions.