It has been announced that President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for the next U.S. Secretary of State is Marco Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida. With a career spanning a decade in the Senate, Rubio has proven himself to be a highly respected leader and a vocal advocate for freedom and democracy. Trump himself praised Rubio as a true friend to our allies, a fearless warrior, and a strong advocate for our nation.
At 53 years old, Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants and would be the first Latino to hold the position of Secretary of State if confirmed by his Senate colleagues. In this role, he will play a crucial role in implementing Trump’s “America First” foreign policy. With his vast experience and expertise in foreign relations and intelligence, Rubio is well-equipped to handle the challenges and responsibilities that come with this position.
Throughout his career, Rubio has shown a deep understanding of global affairs and a strong commitment to defending American interests. In 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Rubio was a vocal supporter of Kyiv and has consistently called for negotiations to end the conflict. His recent vote against a $95 billion military aid package for the Ukrainians further demonstrates his principled stance on the matter.
Additionally, Rubio has been a staunch supporter of Israel, aligning with Trump’s stance on the issue. He has also been a vocal critic of authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, as well as the communist leadership in Beijing. In fact, his strong stance has led to China banning him from entering the country, a decision that may be reversed if he is confirmed as Secretary of State.
Even members of the opposition party have expressed positive views about Rubio’s nomination. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, who has served on the intelligence committee with Rubio, has praised his capabilities and Senator John Fetterman has called him a “strong choice.” Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger has also commended the decision, stating that compared to other names being floated, Rubio’s experience in foreign policy is a valuable asset.
In his selection process, President-elect Trump has placed a strong emphasis on loyalty. As a former rival in the Republican presidential primary eight years ago, Rubio’s support for Trump during the 2020 presidential election is evidence of their mended relationship. Despite their past differences, Rubio has shown a willingness to work with Trump towards a common goal.
It is worth noting that Rubio did not side with Trump when he refused to accept defeat at the hands of Democratic candidate Joe Biden four years ago. Following the events of January 6th, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol, Rubio condemned the violence and called the attackers “unpatriotic” and “un-American.” This displays a sense of integrity and courage, qualities that are much needed in a leader.
Earlier this year, Rubio was considered as a potential running mate for Trump before Republican Senator JD Vance was ultimately chosen. Should Rubio accept the role of Secretary of State, he would have to vacate his Senate seat, and a successor would be selected by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Among the potential candidates for the Senate seat is Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee and Trump’s daughter-in-law.
In conclusion, the nomination of Marco Rubio as the next U.S. Secretary of State has been met with widespread support and admiration. With his extensive knowledge, determination, and commitment to upholding American values, Rubio is an excellent choice for this crucial role in the incoming administration. We can only hope that his confirmation process goes smoothly, and he is able to serve his country with the same dedication and excellence that he has shown throughout his career.
Carla Babb, the VOA Pentagon Correspondent, has contributed to this report.
