Donald Trump got the Latino vote and now he looks poised to announce the first Latino secretary of state : Marco Rubio . Once mocked as ‘Little Rubio’ by Trump, the former critic is now a firm pro-Trumper whose presence in the inner Trump team will be interesting given his neocon credentials.
Positioned as a leading candidate, the Florida-born politician stands poised to become the first Latino to serve as America’s chief diplomat when the incoming Republican president takes office in January. Historically, Rubio has been viewed as the most assertive choice on Trump’s shortlist for secretary of state, previously backing strong foreign policy stances towards countries such as China, Iran, and Cuba. In recent years, he has adjusted his views to better align with Trump’s.
The president-elect has been critical of previous US administrations for engaging in costly wars and advocates a more restrained foreign policy approach.
Sources speaking on condition of anonymity indicated that, while Trump is known for last-minute decisions, he seemed to have made up his mind by Monday. The new administration will face considerable global challenges, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as China strengthens its ties with Russia and Iran. For Rubio, Ukraine will be a priority, as he recently suggested that Ukraine should focus on diplomatic solutions with Russia rather than territorial recovery. He was one of 15 Republican senators who opposed a $95 billion Ukraine military aid package in April. "I'm not on Russia's side — but unfortunately, the reality of it is that the way the war in Ukraine is going to end is with a negotiated settlement," Rubio told NBC in September.
Rubio’s selection holds both international and domestic implications. Trump’s victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on 5 November was partly credited to increased support among Latino voters, a demographic reflecting growing diversity with more Republican voters. Regarding China, Rubio maintains a strong stance; in 2019, he initiated a national security review of TikTok’s Musical.ly acquisition. As the leading Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, he continues to advocate for restrictions on Huawei.
Of Cuban descent, with his grandfather leaving Cuba in 1962, Rubio firmly opposes normalising relations with the Cuban government, aligning closely with Trump’s position. He is also a vocal critic of Venezuela’s Maduro government in his role overseeing Latin American affairs.
Here’s what to expect from Rubio’s approach in his potential new role:
Pro-Israel Stance
Rubio has consistently supported strong US-Israel relations and criticised any perceived weakening of the US's commitment to Israel. Known for backing Israel's sovereignty, he condemned then-presidential candidate Trump in 2016 for suggesting neutrality on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rubio has accused the Biden administration of insufficient support for Israel amid recent conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, often framing the administration’s policies as detrimental to Israel’s security. As Secretary of State, Rubio would likely push for continued military and diplomatic support to Israel, aligned with Trump’s stance, while likely opposing initiatives that could be seen as favouring Hamas or Hezbollah.
Hawkish on China
Rubio's assertive approach toward China marks him as a “China hawk.” He has called China a substantial threat to US economic and military power, supporting measures such as sanctions and limitations on Chinese technology firms, including Huawei. Rubio also pushed for an investigation into TikTok's potential security risks due to its ties to China. In the upcoming Trump administration , Rubio's policies would probably involve increased economic and security pressures on China, aiming to counterbalance its influence in Asia and support allies like Taiwan.
Pro-India Relations
Rubio has shown substantial support for enhancing ties with India, reflecting his vision of a robust partnership against China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Recently, he introduced the US-India Defense Cooperation Act, a bill that advocates for closer military cooperation and technology sharing with India, elevating it to a status similar to other key allies. The bill also includes sanctions on Pakistan if it is found to support terrorism against India. Under Rubio’s guidance, US-India relations would likely deepen, emphasizing defense collaboration and efforts to counteract Chinese expansion in the region.
View on Russia and Ukraine
While Rubio is not strictly isolationist, he has voiced a pragmatic view on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggesting that a negotiated settlement may be the practical outcome. Rubio’s stance aligns with Trump’s preference for ending costly foreign conflicts, focusing instead on a stable resolution rather than attempting to reclaim all lost Ukrainian territories. If he assumes office, Rubio may advocate for support that encourages diplomatic solutions in Ukraine, likely endorsing the US’s role as a mediator rather than as an active combatant.
Looking Ahead
In Rubio, Trump’s foreign policy agenda would have a leader who balances a hawkish approach with some elements of Trump's isolationism. Rubio’s approach to international diplomacy could mark a recalibration of US foreign policy: less about direct intervention and more focused on strategic alliances, especially with nations aligned against US adversaries like China and Iran. Expect Rubio to push for a strong American presence on the world stage, ensuring that the US remains a leading force through strategic support, sanctions, and alliances.
Positioned as a leading candidate, the Florida-born politician stands poised to become the first Latino to serve as America’s chief diplomat when the incoming Republican president takes office in January. Historically, Rubio has been viewed as the most assertive choice on Trump’s shortlist for secretary of state, previously backing strong foreign policy stances towards countries such as China, Iran, and Cuba. In recent years, he has adjusted his views to better align with Trump’s.
The president-elect has been critical of previous US administrations for engaging in costly wars and advocates a more restrained foreign policy approach.
Sources speaking on condition of anonymity indicated that, while Trump is known for last-minute decisions, he seemed to have made up his mind by Monday. The new administration will face considerable global challenges, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as China strengthens its ties with Russia and Iran. For Rubio, Ukraine will be a priority, as he recently suggested that Ukraine should focus on diplomatic solutions with Russia rather than territorial recovery. He was one of 15 Republican senators who opposed a $95 billion Ukraine military aid package in April. "I'm not on Russia's side — but unfortunately, the reality of it is that the way the war in Ukraine is going to end is with a negotiated settlement," Rubio told NBC in September.
Rubio’s selection holds both international and domestic implications. Trump’s victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on 5 November was partly credited to increased support among Latino voters, a demographic reflecting growing diversity with more Republican voters. Regarding China, Rubio maintains a strong stance; in 2019, he initiated a national security review of TikTok’s Musical.ly acquisition. As the leading Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, he continues to advocate for restrictions on Huawei.
Of Cuban descent, with his grandfather leaving Cuba in 1962, Rubio firmly opposes normalising relations with the Cuban government, aligning closely with Trump’s position. He is also a vocal critic of Venezuela’s Maduro government in his role overseeing Latin American affairs.
Here’s what to expect from Rubio’s approach in his potential new role:
Pro-Israel Stance
I supported Donald Trump because he promised not to negotiate with Hamas terrorists, but to kill Hamas terrorists. His pick of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State demonstrates that commitment. Please join me in thanking and congratulating the Senator! pic.twitter.com/IudWcWVWhn
— Shabbos Kestenbaum (@ShabbosK) November 12, 2024
Rubio has consistently supported strong US-Israel relations and criticised any perceived weakening of the US's commitment to Israel. Known for backing Israel's sovereignty, he condemned then-presidential candidate Trump in 2016 for suggesting neutrality on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rubio has accused the Biden administration of insufficient support for Israel amid recent conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, often framing the administration’s policies as detrimental to Israel’s security. As Secretary of State, Rubio would likely push for continued military and diplomatic support to Israel, aligned with Trump’s stance, while likely opposing initiatives that could be seen as favouring Hamas or Hezbollah.
Hawkish on China
It’s time to level the playing field with China. No more cheating. No more stealing. No more free passes. pic.twitter.com/7zWJ2ypgk8
— Senator Marco Rubio (@SenMarcoRubio) November 8, 2024
Rubio's assertive approach toward China marks him as a “China hawk.” He has called China a substantial threat to US economic and military power, supporting measures such as sanctions and limitations on Chinese technology firms, including Huawei. Rubio also pushed for an investigation into TikTok's potential security risks due to its ties to China. In the upcoming Trump administration , Rubio's policies would probably involve increased economic and security pressures on China, aiming to counterbalance its influence in Asia and support allies like Taiwan.
Pro-India Relations
Trump is assembling a strong national security team. Marco Rubio, his likely secretary of state, has said the Ukraine war “needs to be brought to a conclusion.” And the next NSA, Mike Waltz, has said ties with India are America's "most important partnership in the 21st century.”
— Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) November 12, 2024
Rubio has shown substantial support for enhancing ties with India, reflecting his vision of a robust partnership against China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Recently, he introduced the US-India Defense Cooperation Act, a bill that advocates for closer military cooperation and technology sharing with India, elevating it to a status similar to other key allies. The bill also includes sanctions on Pakistan if it is found to support terrorism against India. Under Rubio’s guidance, US-India relations would likely deepen, emphasizing defense collaboration and efforts to counteract Chinese expansion in the region.
View on Russia and Ukraine
While Rubio is not strictly isolationist, he has voiced a pragmatic view on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggesting that a negotiated settlement may be the practical outcome. Rubio’s stance aligns with Trump’s preference for ending costly foreign conflicts, focusing instead on a stable resolution rather than attempting to reclaim all lost Ukrainian territories. If he assumes office, Rubio may advocate for support that encourages diplomatic solutions in Ukraine, likely endorsing the US’s role as a mediator rather than as an active combatant.
Looking Ahead
In Rubio, Trump’s foreign policy agenda would have a leader who balances a hawkish approach with some elements of Trump's isolationism. Rubio’s approach to international diplomacy could mark a recalibration of US foreign policy: less about direct intervention and more focused on strategic alliances, especially with nations aligned against US adversaries like China and Iran. Expect Rubio to push for a strong American presence on the world stage, ensuring that the US remains a leading force through strategic support, sanctions, and alliances.
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