Trump’s Expected Secretary of State: Marco Rubio

President-elect Donald J. Trump is poised to select Senator Marco Rubio from Florida as his next secretary of state, according to three sources close to the transition team. This decision appears to be part of Mr. Trump’s swift efforts to assemble his foreign policy and national security leadership.

While Mr. Trump could still opt for a different candidate at the last moment, the indications suggest that he has largely settled on Mr. Rubio, who was also considered as a potential running mate during the recent election cycle.

Senator Rubio, who has served in the Senate since 2010, has firmly established himself as a foreign policy hawk. He is known for his strong stances on several international issues, particularly concerning China, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. His views often contrast with those of more isolationist factions within the Republican Party, yet he has recently aligned with Mr. Trump’s perspective on certain matters.

In discussions regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Mr. Rubio has echoed Mr. Trump’s sentiment that the war has reached a stalemate and emphasized the need for a resolution. Despite his previously hard-line rhetoric about Russia, it is anticipated that he would support Mr. Trump’s approach to encourage Ukraine to seek a diplomatic settlement with Russia while potentially remaining outside of NATO. However, the willingness of both Ukrainian and Russian leaders to engage in talks at Mr. Trump’s behest remains uncertain.

Furthermore, Senator Rubio has been a vocal advocate for a more assertive stance against China. His views have gained traction across party lines, particularly his advocacy for industrial policies aimed at enhancing America’s competitiveness against China’s state-controlled economy. This proactive approach underscores his commitment to addressing significant global challenges head-on.