Richard Parks In a surprising move, Donald Trump has nominated Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State. Once a vocal critic of the president, Rubio’s selection marks a significant shift in their relationship. Here’s a closer look at the man who could become the nation’s top diplomat.
Rubio, 53, was born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents. His father worked as a bartender and his mother as a hotel maid. Rubio’s background as the son of immigrants has been central to his political narrative, often sharing his journey as a reflection of the “American dream.” While Rubio is Catholic, he spent part of his childhood in Las Vegas, where his family attended Mormon services before returning to Miami when he was 14.
A passionate football fan, Rubio dreamed of playing in the NFL but eventually had to forgo his aspirations due to an injury and limited scholarship offers. He transferred from Tarkio College in Missouri to the University of Florida, where he earned his degree before going on to study law at the University of Miami. In 1998, he married Jeanette Dousdebes, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, and the couple has four children.
Rubio’s political rise began in the Florida House of Representatives, where he served as majority leader and speaker. He made a significant move in 2010 when he ran for the U.S. Senate, rejecting suggestions to pursue the Florida Attorney General position instead. Rubio won his Senate seat and was re-elected in both 2016 and 2022.
In 2016, Rubio entered the presidential race, where he faced off against a crowded Republican field, including Donald Trump. While Rubio secured victories in several states, he ultimately lost his home state of Florida to Trump. The campaign was marked by bitter exchanges, with Trump calling Rubio “Little Marco” and Rubio accusing Trump of being a “con artist.” However, after Trump’s victory, Rubio softened his stance, offering his support and even campaigning alongside him in the final stretch of the race.
As a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees, Rubio has focused heavily on foreign policy, particularly addressing threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. He frequently speaks about the growing alliance between these nations and their attempts to weaken U.S. influence globally.
Rubio’s nomination for Secretary of State represents a major shift in his political career, positioning him to lead U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy at a critical time. His expertise on global security threats and his evolving relationship with Trump will likely shape his approach as the next top diplomat.