President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his nominee for secretary of state, though two sources familiar with the negotiations tell CBS News the selection is not a done deal.
The expected nomination represents a long way from the time Trump and the Florida senator were rivals in the 2016 Republican primary, when Trump referred to Rubio as “Little Marco” and Rubio. gave indications About Trump's masculinity in the presidential debates. 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 agreed to Rubio for the post. A spokesperson for Rubio did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ivan Vucci/AP
GOP Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee is also under consideration for secretary of state, a source with knowledge of the discussions said. mentioned earlier CBS News.
Rubio, 53, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, is a China hawk with extensive foreign policy experience. Republicans will control the Senate in January, giving Rubio an easier path to confirmation, bolstered by his Republican colleagues.
In Florida, the governor appoints a temporary replacement for open U.S. Senate seats, meaning Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will have the ability to select Rubio's successor if the nomination occurs.
Trump has announced Several nominations and appointments have since taken place win a second term Last week, with more expected in the coming weeks.
