Trump Expected To Pick This Guy As Secretary Of State
Known for his hawkish views, the projected pick has often advocated a strong U.S. stance on international issues, particularly concerning China, Iran, and Cuba.
Former President Donald Trump is expected to appoint U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, according to sources on Monday, positioning Rubio as the first Latino to hold this position when Trump takes office in January.
In recent years, Rubio has moderated some of his foreign policy views to align more closely with Trump, who has criticized previous administrations for engaging the U.S. in costly conflicts and has promoted a more restrained approach. While Trump could still change his mind, sources close to the matter indicate that he has largely settled on Rubio, though neither Trump’s nor Rubio’s representatives responded to requests for comment.
The new administration will face a more volatile global landscape than in 2017, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and a growing China-Russia-Iran alignment. Rubio’s position on Ukraine emphasizes the need for negotiation with Russia, rather than a focus on reclaiming all lost territories, a stance that diverges somewhat from the hawkish perspective. He was also among the 15 Republicans who voted against a substantial military aid package for Ukraine in April.
Rubio’s selection reflects a broader shift in Republican foreign policy under Trump, moving from traditional interventionism to a more restrained approach, especially in Europe, where many Republicans feel U.S. allies need to contribute more to defense.
Domestically, Rubio’s appointment could have significant political implications. Trump’s recent victory over Vice President Kamala Harris was partially fueled by increased Latino support—a demographic that has historically leaned Democratic but is becoming more politically diverse. Rubio’s role could help consolidate Latino support, signaling their representation at the highest levels of government.
If confirmed, Rubio is expected to emphasize U.S. engagement with Latin America more than his predecessors. His ally Mauricio Claver-Carone, former Inter-American Development Bank president, remarked that this could mark a historic moment for U.S.-Latin America relations, bringing unprecedented focus to the region.
