President-elect Donald Trump appears poised to peg Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as secretary of state, according to reports.
Rubio has served in the Senate since 2010 and is known for being hawkish on foreign policy matters. He opposed the latest round of funding for Ukraine’s fight against Russia and is known for his firm stances regarding China and Iran, the New York Times noted in first reporting the potential pick.
Trump had also considered Ric Grenell, who served as ambassador to Germany during his first administration, but had shifted as the day wore on, CNN reported.
Rubio was also almost Trump’s vice presidential pick before he went for Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, and had also been an opponent in the presidential race during primary season.
The potential secretary of state has international experience as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee.
“While Marco is a little more hawkish than the incoming president and vice president, he’s actually not as far away from them as many people might assume at first blush,” a Trump ally told NBC News. “He’s become far more aligned with the president on issues regarding tariffs. He has a similar stand on the China issue and he even voted against the last round of Ukraine funding.”
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