President-elect Donald Trump is expected to name Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as his nominee for secretary of state, although the choice is not a given, two sources familiar with the discussions told CBS News.
The expected nomination represents a long way from the days when Trump and the Florida senator were rivals during the 2016 Republican primaries, when Trump referred to Rubio as “Little Marco” and Rubio makes insinuations on Trump’s manhood during a presidential debate. The two have since mended their relationship, and Rubio campaigned with the former president this year.
The New York Times first reported that Trump appeared to have chosen Rubio for the job. A spokesperson for Rubio did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Evan Vucci/AP
Republican Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee is also under consideration for secretary of state, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions. said previously CBS News.
Rubio, 53, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and senior Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, is a China hawk with extensive foreign policy experience. Republicans will control the Senate in January, giving Rubio a likely easy path to confirmation, supported by his Republican colleagues.
In Florida, the governor appoints a temporary replacement for vacant U.S. Senate seats, meaning Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would have the opportunity to select Rubio’s successor if the nomination passes.
Trump has announcement a multitude of candidates and nominations since win a second term last week, with more expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
Late Gomez
