Donald Trump has selected Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his choice for Secretary of State, a surprising shift for the former critic of the president. Here are some important things to know about the Republican senator, now in his third term in the U.S. Senate.
Marco Rubio was born in Miami in 1971 to Cuban immigrants. His father worked as a bartender, and his mother was a hotel maid. Rubio often emphasizes his working-class roots and his “American dream” story. Although raised Catholic, he spent part of his childhood in Las Vegas, where his family attended Mormon services due to their involvement in the local hotel industry. His family eventually returned to Miami when Rubio was 14.
A football enthusiast, Rubio once dreamed of making it to the NFL during his high school years. However, after an injury and limited opportunities at major colleges, he transferred to the University of Florida, later graduating from both the University of Florida and the University of Miami Law School. Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes, a Miami Dolphins cheerleader, in 1998, and the couple has four children.
Rubio’s political journey began in the Florida House of Representatives, where he quickly rose to the position of majority leader and speaker. In 2010, he considered running for Florida Attorney General but ultimately chose to pursue a U.S. Senate seat, where he triumphed over Governor Charlie Crist. Rubio won his Senate seat and was re-elected in 2016 and 2022.
In 2016, Rubio ran for president, facing stiff competition from Donald Trump. While Rubio secured victories in Minnesota, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, he lost his home state of Florida to Trump, who won 45.7% of the vote to Rubio’s 27%. The two exchanged insults throughout the campaign, with Trump calling Rubio “Little Marco” and Rubio labeling Trump a “con artist.” Despite their contentious rivalry, their relationship improved after Trump’s election, and Rubio supported Trump during the general election.
As a key member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio has become a vocal advocate on foreign policy matters, particularly regarding threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. He warns that these nations are increasingly aligning against U.S. interests, with the aim of weakening America’s influence and its global alliances.
Rubio’s nomination for Secretary of State marks a significant turning point in his political career, transitioning from presidential contender to a central figure in the administration’s foreign policy strategy. His emphasis on national security, especially in relation to foreign adversaries, will likely define his role if he is confirmed.
