The longest-serving senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, is expected to be appointed Secretary of State by President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, in his second administration. Despite having been critical of Trump and clashing with him during the 2016 Republican primaries, Rubio has shown his support for the president and has been one of his most ardent supporters in the Senate.
Rubio has been a strong advocate for an aggressive stance towards China as an economic power, has backed Israel's war in Gaza and its attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and has supported NATO. Over the years, he has worked to strengthen his relationship with Trump despite past disagreements.
Rubio's confirmation in the Senate is expected to be swift and straightforward, given his track record and experience in foreign policy. Rubio has also been critical of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for his stance on drug cartels.
Rubio, who has served on both the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee, has advocated for ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine through negotiations that could lead to the return of territory occupied by Russian forces. His appointment as Secretary of State could put an end to his rivalry with Trump and give him a prominent role in the incoming administration.
