President-elect Donald Trump is expected to appoint Senator Marco Rubio of Florida as his Secretary of State, three sources familiar with the matter told the New York Times.
Trump is moving swiftly to finalize his foreign policy and national security team, with Rubio emerging as his top choice for the nation’s chief diplomat.
READ: Trump Taps Florida Rep. Mike Waltz As National Security Adviser Amid Ongoing Global Crises
Although the decision is not yet final, and Trump could still make a last-minute change, sources indicated that Rubio is the frontrunner, according to NYT.
Rubio, who was also considered for vice president earlier this year, played a key role as a loyal campaign surrogate for Trump despite being passed over for the running mate position.
An official announcement is expected soon as Trump completes his national security appointments.
Marco Rubio is a prominent American politician serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Florida, a position he has held since 2011. A member of the Republican Party, Rubio is known for his strong stance on foreign policy, fiscal conservatism, and advocacy for immigration reform.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Born on May 28, 1971, in Miami, Florida, to Cuban immigrant parents.
- Education: Rubio attended the University of Florida, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science, and later obtained a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Miami School of Law.
READ: GOP Rep Says New York AG Should Be ‘Disbarred’ For Lawfare Against Trump
Political Career
- Florida House of Representatives: Rubio’s political career began in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served from 2000 to 2008. He became the Speaker of the Florida House in 2006, known for his “100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future” initiative, focusing on government reform and economic development.
- U.S. Senate: Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, Rubio quickly gained recognition as a rising star within the Republican Party. He has been re-elected multiple times, with a platform focusing on national security, economic growth, and conservative values.
Policy and Legislative Focus
- Foreign Policy: Rubio is known for his strong, hawkish foreign policy views. He has advocated for a tough stance on adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. Rubio has been a vocal critic of the Cuban and Venezuelan governments, supporting U.S. sanctions against oppressive regimes.
- Immigration Reform: As the son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio initially supported comprehensive immigration reform and was part of the “Gang of Eight,” a bipartisan group of senators who pushed for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. However, he later distanced himself from this plan, aligning more with conservative views on border security.
- Economic Policy: Rubio supports free-market principles, tax reform, and reducing government regulation. He has championed initiatives to boost small businesses and has focused on addressing the challenges facing the American middle class.
Presidential Run
In 2016, Rubio ran for the Republican nomination for president but faced stiff competition from candidates like Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Despite early momentum, Rubio struggled to gain widespread support and ended his campaign after losing the Florida primary.
READ: Florida Senators Scott And Rubio Intro Bill To Combat Antisemitism On College Campuses
Relationship with Donald Trump
Although Rubio was a critic of Trump during the 2016 primary race, he has since become an ally, supporting many of Trump’s policies and serving as a key Republican voice in the Senate. Rubio has been considered for high-profile roles in Trump’s administration, including Secretary of State.
Personal Life
Marco Rubio is married to Jeanette Dousdebes, and they have four children. The family resides in West Miami, Florida. Rubio is a practicing Roman Catholic and often speaks about his faith and its influence on his political views.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.