US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he has chosen 53-year-old Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State in his administration.
“He will be a strong defender of our nation, a loyal friend to our allies, and a fearless warrior who will never back down against our enemies,” Trump said in a statement.
Who is Marco Rubio?
Marco Rubio, who was elected to the Senate in 2010, is known for his strong stance on foreign policy issues, and is a “hawk” for the international media. Since the beginning of his career, he has worked hard on issues related to China, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba.
His relationship with Donald Trump, despite tensions that arose during the 2016 election, has improved significantly over time, and today Rubio appears to be one of Trump’s most trusted foreign policy aides.
Despite his opposition to several bills filed in the past, such as the $95 billion dollar aid package for Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel, Rubio remains one of the central figures in US foreign policy, and is Trump’s choice as secretary of state seems to be a step to strengthen the President’s strategy for the future.
The issue of Ukraine
The crisis in Ukraine is expected to be one of Rubio’s main challenges if he takes over the State Department. Despite his early disagreements with other Republicans on the importance of America’s foreign interventions, Rubio has taken a hard line on Russia and the war in Ukraine.
At the same time, he has repeated Trump’s position on the need for a diplomatic solution to the issue, with Rubio stressing that the war in Ukraine is “deadlocked” and is the only solution than a negotiated agreement.
“I’m not on the side of Russia — but unfortunately the reality is that the war in Ukraine will end with a negotiated settlement,” Rubio told NBC in September.
As Secretary of State, he will work closely with Trump to review US strategy and focus on a solution that ensures an end to the conflict without the need to join NATO.
Supports “China threat”
One of the most important issues Rubio will be asked to manage as secretary of state is the relationship with China.
Rubio has been one of the fiercest critics of China in Congress, particularly on matters related to Hong Kong, having spent more than a decade focusing on the theory of the “China threat,” and has introduced bills which strengthens the US position towards the country. , such as blocking tax credits for Chinese-made electric vehicle batteries, while fueling the FBI’s suspicions of Beijing’s influence over TikTok.
As secretary of state, he is likely to continue Trump’s policy of confronting China, focusing on economic and strategic pressure and isolating China internationally.
Rubio’s position on China is clear: it is a threat that must be addressed by every means available, and the EIA must invest more resources in developing strategies to counter China’s growing influence.
With an eye on Latin America
Rubio has a personal interest in Latin American countries, as his grandfather left Cuba in 1962, and he has repeatedly said that he was against normalizing relations with the regime.
Although Trump has already expressed his opposition to Cuba policy, Rubio’s appointment as secretary of state could mean a more drastic change in Latin America, with the region becoming more important to US foreign policy than ever.
Rubio, as head of the House of Representatives subcommittee that oversees Latin American affairs, has dealt extensively with issues in the region and is known for his strong criticism of the Maduro regime in Venezuela.
“This is the moment when Latin America will be the biggest on the map in the history of any American presidency. It is historic. There is no other way to describe it,” said Rubio ally Mauricio Claver-Carone, former president of the Inter-American Development Bank and former National Security Council adviser for Latin America in the first Trump administration.
In addition to choosing Rubio, Trump is making an “opening” to the Latino community, which seemed to support him, unexpectedly, in the presidential election, making it clear that they have a place at the highest levels to his government.
With information from: CNN, New York Times, Reuters, Financial Times
How might Senator Rubio’s past criticisms of China influence his diplomatic approach as Secretary of State?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Foreign Policy Expert on Marco Rubio’s Appointment as Secretary of State
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome back to Time.News. Today, we’re privileged to have with us Dr. Anna Thompson, a leading expert on U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us today!
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. President-elect Donald Trump recently announced Senator Marco Rubio as his choice for Secretary of State. Given Rubio’s extensive history in the Senate since 2010, what qualities do you think make him a suitable candidate for this role?
Dr. Thompson: Marco Rubio has a strong reputation, particularly in foreign policy circles, due to his hawkish stance on various international issues. His experience with China, Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba, combined with his ability to negotiate and build alliances, positions him well to navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. President Trump described Rubio as a “strong defender” of the nation and a “fearless warrior.” Considering their tumultuous past during the 2016 election, how significant is their current alliance for U.S. foreign policy moving forward?
Dr. Thompson: Their alliance is crucial. While Rubio initially criticized Trump during the primaries, their subsequent relationship signals a reconciliation that could bolster Trump’s policy agenda. With Rubio as Secretary of State, there’s potential for a unified front on foreign policy, which is essential for tackling challenges like the one in Ukraine and managing relations with China.
Editor: Speaking of Ukraine, it’s been highlighted that this will be one of Rubio’s main challenges. How do you envision his approach to the crisis, especially given his hardline views on Russia?
Dr. Thompson: Rubio’s hardline stance on Russia is well-documented, and his belief in a diplomatic resolution shows a nuanced understanding of the situation. His acknowledgment that the war’s end will require a negotiated settlement is pragmatic, especially as military involvement can be contentious domestically. He will likely approach this challenge with the dual goal of ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty while also working towards a stable resolution.
Editor: It sounds like a delicate balance. Now, shifting focus to Rubio’s views on China, he has been one of its fiercest critics in Congress. How do you anticipate he will handle U.S.-China relations as Secretary of State?
Dr. Thompson: Rubio sees China as a significant threat, and this perspective is likely to remain central to U.S. policy under his leadership. His advocacy for economic and strategic pressure, combined with actions against Chinese influence, like those concerning TikTok and electric vehicle batteries, reflects a comprehensive strategy. Expect to see a continuation of a confrontational stance but balanced with strategic diplomacy to rally allies in countering China’s influence globally.
Editor: That definitely paints a clear picture of his priorities. Additionally, you noted anything about his personal connections to Latin America? How might that influence his policies in the region?
Dr. Thompson: Rubio’s heritage is a significant aspect of his political identity. His Cuban roots give him personal insight into Latin American issues, especially concerning democracy and human rights. He’s likely to approach Latin America not only with a focus on strategic interests but also a genuine concern for the democratic freedoms of the people in that region. Expect to see increased engagement and support for democratic movements in countries like Venezuela.
Editor: It sounds like Rubio is preparing to tackle a myriad of foreign policy challenges. If you had to summarize how his appointment might shape the next chapter in U.S. foreign relations, what would you say?
Dr. Thompson: Rubio’s appointment could represent a significant shift towards a more assertive and perhaps hawkish U.S. foreign policy. His experience, combined with a close working relationship with President Trump, could lead to a more cohesive strategy on issues like China, Russia, and Latin America. However, the effectiveness of that strategy will largely depend on how well they can navigate the complexities of these relationships, especially in an increasingly multipolar world.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights. It certainly seems like Rubio’s role as Secretary of State will be pivotal in addressing urgent global challenges.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these vital topics.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on U.S. foreign policy as the new administration unfolds.