Marco Rubio Set to Become First Latino U.S. Secretary of State Under Trump

Donald Trump is all sete to nominate U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, sources said on Monday. If confirmed, Rubio, a Florida native, would make history as the first Latino to hold this top diplomatic position in the United States.

Rubio, a strong advocate for a robust foreign policy, has long been known for his firm stance on issues concerning China, Iran, and Cuba. However, in recent years, he has adjusted his views to align more closely with Trump’s foreign policy approach, which favors less military intervention and a more restrained international presence.

Although Trump is known for making last-minute decisions, sources indicated that Rubio's nomination is likely settled as of Monday. Representatives for both Trump and Rubio did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

The next administration will face a much more complex and unpredictable global landscape than when Trump first took office in 2017. The ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with China's growing alignment with Russia and Iran, will present major challenges.

Rubio, 53, has publicly stated that Ukraine should pursue a negotiated peace with Russia, rather than focusing solely on reclaiming lost territory. He was also among the 15 Republican senators who voted against a $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine in April.

His expected appointment marks a significant shift in Republican foreign policy. Once known for advocating military intervention, many of Trump’s allies now emphasize restraint, especially in Europe, where there are concerns over U.S. allies not contributing enough to defense spending.

While Rubio is not an isolationist, his perspective on U.S. foreign policy represents a broader trend of reduced military involvement abroad. "I’m not on Russia’s side, but the reality is the war in Ukraine will end with a negotiated settlement," Rubio said in a September interview.

Rubio’s nomination holds political significance at home as well. Trump won substantial support from Latino voters in the recent election, and selecting Rubio for such a prominent role could strengthen his relationship with this increasingly important demographic.

If confirmed, Rubio is expected to place more emphasis on Latin America than any previous U.S. secretary of state. "This is the time Latin America will most be on the map in the history of any U.S. presidency," said Mauricio Claver-Carone, a Rubio ally and former head of the Inter-American Development Bank.

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