President-elect Donald Trump plans to nominate Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, according to sources close to Trump’s thinking. Rubio would become the first Latino to serve as America’s top diplomat, marking a shift in Republican foreign policy approach.
The selection caps a remarkable transformation in the Trump-Rubio relationship. During the 2016 primary, Rubio criticized Trump sharply, even mocking his appearance with the comment “He’s gonna make America orange.” Yet Rubio later endorsed Trump and became a trusted advisor, even helping prepare Trump for debates against Biden in 2020.
“That sound you hear is a tiny sigh of relief,” a State Department official said when hearing Rubio was chosen over Ric Grenell, the more confrontational former U.S. ambassador to Germany who was also considered.
Rubio brings substantial foreign policy credentials as Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a senior member of the Foreign Relations Committee. His positions have evolved with the Republican Party’s changing views on international engagement.
The senator has consistently pushed for aggressive policies toward China, earning himself Beijing’s sanctions in 2020 over his criticism of actions in Hong Kong. During Trump’s first term, Rubio advocated for industrial policies to help the U.S. compete with China’s state-directed economy – a position that has since gained bipartisan support.
“This is the time Latin America will most be on the map in the history of any US presidency. It’s historic,” said Mauricio Claver-Carone, a former National Security Council adviser and Rubio ally.
As a Cuban-American, Rubio maintains hard-line positions on Cuba and Venezuela. His appointment could signal increased attention to Latin American policy, particularly regarding authoritarian regimes in the region.
In a notable departure from traditional Republican hawkishness, Rubio was among 15 Republican senators who opposed a $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine. “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.
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This position aligns with Trump’s expected approach to press Ukraine toward a settlement with Russia and remain outside NATO.
While Rubio’s exact plans for the State Department remain unclear, sources suggest he may support some institutional reforms while resisting the large-scale cuts some Trump allies advocate.
Rubio’s confirmation would allow Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint his successor. POLITICO reports potential replacements include Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, and chief of staff James Uthmeier.
With Republicans holding 53 Senate seats and senators traditionally supporting their colleagues’ cabinet nominations, Rubio’s confirmation faces few obstacles. His extensive foreign policy experience and relationships within the Senate should smooth the process.
Former ambassador Ryan Crocker noted that while Rubio’s influence might be limited, foreign ministries worldwide would likely welcome his appointment, citing his international relations experience as an asset.
Trump could still change his mind, sources caution, but the decision appears largely settled. The nomination would place Rubio at the helm of U.S. diplomacy during a period of complex global challenges, from an assertive China to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
