Former President Trump is expected to nominate Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to serve as secretary of State, according to multiple reports and one source familiar with the matter who spoke to The Hill.
Rubio’s selection to serve as Trump’s top diplomat completes a drastic turnaround from 2016, when the two were fierce rivals in a GOP presidential primary. Earlier this year, Trump nearly chose Rubio as his running mate before selecting Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio).
The New York Times first reported Trump planned to nominate Rubio.
Multiple lawmakers and Trump allies took to social media to congratulate the senator.
“He will restore American leadership around the world, especially in Latin America, as he represents the United States with dignity and courage!” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) posted on X. “It’s been an honor to serve the people of Florida alongside him and look forward to continuing our work together.”
The Florida senator is seen as a foreign policy hawk who is tough on China and Iran. In a September interview with NBC, Rubio said it was apparent the war between Ukraine and Russia would end “with a negotiated settlement.”
Trump has vowed to quickly restore his “America First” foreign policy vision upon taking office. He has expressed skepticism about continued U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia and called for European allies to do more to aid Kyiv and to support their own defense through the NATO alliance.
Rubio’s selection comes as Trump has rapidly rolled out his national security team after winning last week’s election. He has chosen Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as his ambassador to the United Nations and tapped Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) to serve as his national security adviser.
Rubio is expected to be confirmed by his colleague. His departure will narrow an expected GOP majority in the Senate. The party has secured 52 seats, with David McCormick (R) leading in Pennsylvania in a race that is still too close to call.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) will appoint a replacement for Rubio to fill the seat until the next statewide election.