President-elect Donald Trump is anticipated to nominate Sen. Marco Rubio from Florida as his secretary of state shortly, according to insiders familiar with the selection process. However, sources indicate that Trump has not made a final decision and could still change course before his official announcement.
The New York Times was the first to report on Trump’s intention to select Rubio for the pivotal role in international diplomacy. Foreign policy remains a contentious issue among Trump’s supporters, with differing opinions on how to approach global affairs.
Trump’s campaign focused heavily on “America First” principles, advocating for reduced foreign aid and less U.S. involvement in international conflicts. However, some supporters hold different views on foreign policy, sometimes leaning toward more traditional diplomatic stances.
While Rubio is a known supporter of Trump, he is considered to be a less extreme option for the position. His background as a member of the Foreign Relations Committee positions him as a candidate who could balance the isolationist sentiments of much of Trump’s base while maintaining important relationships with allies.
Supporters of Trump have referred to Rubio as someone the president’s base could trust. Although Rubio is perceived as somewhat more hawkish than Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, he has aligned with Trump on various economic issues, including tariffs and positions regarding China, and has been critical of excessive foreign funding, including recent Ukraine assistance.
A senior official from the current administration described Rubio as a “serious” and “qualified” candidate, expressing relief that Trump’s considerations also included Ric Grenell, a controversial figure whose potential nomination raised concerns about politicizing the State Department. The previous administration saw significant losses in diplomatic ranks due to voluntary departures and a shift of authority to politically appointed officials.
Should Rubio take on the role of secretary of state, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would have the opportunity to appoint a replacement for Rubio’s Senate seat, which would remain filled until at least the 2026 elections.
In addition to this imminent nomination, Trump has made several staffing decisions, such as nominating former Rep. Lee Zeldin as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency and appointing Rep. Mike Waltz as national security adviser. He has also named campaign manager Susie Wiles as chief of staff and appointed immigration hard-liner Tom Homan as his “border czar.”
This nomination process for Trump’s cabinet underscores a commitment to balancing various factions within his political base while pursuing experienced candidates for crucial government roles. This approach may pave the way for a foreign policy that seeks to reconcile isolationist sentiments with the necessity of maintaining diplomatic ties, fostering hope for a more unified vision moving forward.