WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump is anticipated to announce the nomination of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., for secretary of state, according to multiple sources familiar with the decision.
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Rubio, 53, has represented Florida in the Senate since 2011, currently serving as vice-chair of the Senate Select Committee on Foreign Intelligence and as a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. Longtime State Department officials express respect for Rubio’s extensive experience in foreign policy, with many viewing him as unlikely to excessively politicize the role of secretary of state.
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The Florida senator reportedly gained favor among Trump’s advisers, including chief of staff Susie Wiles, a veteran Florida political strategist, giving Rubio an advantage over other candidates from Trump’s first administration, such as former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell and former National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien.
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In an interview after Trump’s election win, Rubio described the U.S. as entering “an era of pragmatic foreign policy.”
“The world is rapidly changing. You know, adversaries are uniting—in North Korea, Iran, China, Russia—increasing coordinating,” Rubio said in a CNN interview. “It is going to require us to be very pragmatic and wise in how we invest overseas and what we do.”
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Evolving Stance on Ukraine and Foreign Policy
Rubio’s foreign policy stance has traditionally aligned with hawkish Republican views. However, he has adapted to fit Trump’s agenda, including the president-elect’s cautious stance on sustained support for Ukraine’s war efforts. Once a vocal advocate for Ukraine, Rubio notably voted against an April supplemental funding bill that earmarked $61 billion for the country, citing concerns that the bill did not address pressing immigration issues.
“I’m not on Russia’s side,” Rubio stated in a September interview, “but unfortunately, the reality of it is that the way the war in Ukraine is going to end is with a negotiated settlement. And I want, and we want, and I believe Donald Trump wants, for Ukraine to have more leverage in that negotiation.”
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Smooth Senate Confirmation Expected
Due to Rubio’s stature in the Senate and extensive tenure in Washington, his confirmation is widely expected to proceed without major obstacles. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, is authorized under state law to fill Rubio’s Senate seat by appointment until the next general election, during which Floridians will vote to fill the remainder of his term.
The nomination of Rubio is not expected to impact the Republican hold on the Senate, especially after Trump’s significant victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in Florida, marking the largest margin for a presidential candidate in the state in 36 years—a clear indication that Florida has solidified as a GOP stronghold.
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A Rival Turned Ally
Rubio’s relationship with Trump has transformed dramatically over the years. During the 2016 presidential election, Rubio ran against Trump in the Republican primary, calling him a “con artist” before conceding after losing to Trump in the Florida primary. Despite initial tension, Rubio endorsed Trump’s candidacy and became a close ally during Trump’s first term, serving as an unofficial adviser on Latin American strategy and earning the nickname “virtual secretary of state” from the New York Times.
In 2024, Rubio again endorsed Trump’s presidential run and was considered for the role of running mate before Trump ultimately selected Ohio Senator JD Vance.
Rubio’s anticipated nomination underscores Trump’s continued influence in Washington and his ability to reshape former political rivalries into alliances for his second administration.
