The incoming Donald Trump administration is reportedly selecting Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
Rubio, in his third term in the U.S. Senate, has been steeped in intelligence matters and promises a pro-active posture regarding threats from China, Russia, Iran, and their allies. He was short listed for Vice President, but ultimately the hurdle of having two members of the ticket from the same state seemed to be a deal breaker for Trump.
The appointment comes after days of speculation about whether Rubio would take an administration role.
During an interview on “The World Over with Raymond Arroyo,” Rubio said “if there’s a better place, if that’s God’s will and plan for my life and then opportunity presents itself, I wouldn’t close the door to it.”
He contended he hadn’t talked to the President-elect seriously about the role.
Rubio would be the first Hispanic Secretary of State, and his history on issues impacting Florida could hint significantly at his approach to a role as Secretary of State. He serves as the top Republican on the Senate Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, and brings a high level of focus on foreign relations in the Caribbean and South America.
Of course, joining the administration would also create a vacancy in one of Florida’s U.S. Senate seats. Unlike with U.S. House seats, Florida’s Governor would choose who fills Rubio’s post instead of a Special election.
Speculation is swirling about whom Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint to the Senate to replace Rubio, as the second-term Republican gets a potent political prize ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session.
Names are already floating around the ether, including of Cabinet members who are termed out in 2026, including Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and that conversation will ramp up if Rubio indeed leaves the Senate. That appointment could create an opportunity for DeSantis to elevate someone to high office as well. That potentially could include himself. It could also include First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has long harbored her own political interests, or DeSantis Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, who just chaired tow successful campaigns against statewide ballot initiatives. He also may elevate any Republican member of Florida’s congressional delegation.
Kudos are coming in, including from Senate colleague Rick Scott.
“I’m thrilled for my friend, Florida colleague, and our next Secretary of State! He will restore American leadership around the world, especially in Latin America, as he represents the United States with dignity and courage! It’s been an honor to serve the people of Florida alongside him and (I) look forward to continuing our work together,” Scott posted to X.
“Congrats,” tweeted Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power. “Seems like just the other day I was interning for him in the Florida House!”
“Huge congratulations to my friend Marco Rubip on his nomination for Secretary of State!,” posted Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican and the top Republican on the House Western Hemisphere Subcommittee. “As Cuban Americans from Miami and members of the exile community, we share a commitment to fighting communism and protecting freedom. Marco will restore American leadership abroad!”
““President Trump has made a truly historic and brilliant choice in selecting Senator Marco Rubio as our nation’s Secretary of State,” said Rep. Carlos Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican. “Senator Rubio is America’s statesman, a proven expert in international affairs and an unequivocal champion for freedom, democracy and global Human Rights. As a fellow Floridian, Miamian and Cuban American I am beyond proud of Senator Rubio and his accomplishments. Sen. Rubio will be the highest-ranking Hispanic leader in U.S. history, and I know our nation, our region, and the world will be safer, more secure, and freer under his leadership.”
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