Report: Donald Trump to Appoint Marco Rubio as Secretary of State

Photo : AP

US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set to name Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State. While the decision has not been finalized, sources close to the situation indicate that Trump appears to have settled on Rubio for the high-profile position. Rubio, who was passed over by Trump in favor of Mike Pence as his vice presidential running mate in 2016, has recently emerged as one of the frontrunners for the role, alongside former US Ambassador to Germany, Ric Grenell.

Rubio, who has held the Senate seat since 2011, has expressed his willingness to serve in a senior role within the new administration. When asked about the possibility of being named to the Cabinet, Rubio said, "I always am interested in serving this country," signaling his openness to such an opportunity.

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The potential nomination of Rubio, a staunch conservative with Cuban heritage, would mark a remarkable shift in his relationship with Trump. The two had a contentious rivalry during the 2016 Republican primaries, with Rubio calling Trump a "con artist" and accusing him of being "the most vulgar person to ever aspire to the presidency." Despite their bitter exchanges, Rubio has since become a vocal supporter of Trump, particularly in foreign policy matters, which aligns with the hawkish stance Rubio has consistently taken throughout his political career.

Born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents, Rubio rose to prominence in the Senate with a platform that reflected the Tea Party movement, a right-wing faction that gained significant influence after President Barack Obama's election. Rubio’s campaign for the Senate in 2010 was fueled by the backing of this conservative base, and he quickly became one of the leading voices in Republican foreign policy, particularly in relation to Cuba and Latin America.

His potential nomination as Secretary of State would not only be a significant shift in his personal political journey but also an indication of Trump's growing confidence in Rubio's ability to manage US diplomacy. While the selection has not been officially confirmed, it highlights the evolving dynamics within the Trump administration as it prepares for a new term.