Donald Trump has chosen Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his nominee for Secretary of State, marking a notable shift for the former critic of the president. Here’s what you should know about Rubio, now in his third term in the U.S. Senate.
Rubio, 53, was born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents. His father worked as a bartender, and his mother was a hotel maid. Rubio’s immigrant background has played a significant role in his political identity, often highlighting his “American dream” story. While he was raised Catholic, Rubio spent several years of his childhood in Las Vegas, where his family attended Mormon services due to their involvement in the local hotel industry. They later returned to Miami when Rubio was 14.
A fan of football, Rubio aspired to play in the NFL during his high school years. However, after a sports injury and limited scholarship offers, he transferred from Tarkio College to the University of Florida, eventually earning his law degree from the University of Miami. He married Jeanette Dousdebes, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, in 1998, and they have four children.
Rubio’s political career began in the Florida House of Representatives, where he rose to become the majority leader and later speaker. In 2010, he decided to run for the U.S. Senate instead of pursuing a run for Florida Attorney General. His gamble paid off as he won his Senate seat and was re-elected in both 2016 and 2022.
In 2016, Rubio ran for president, facing a crowded Republican field that included Donald Trump. Although Rubio won several states, he was defeated by Trump in Florida. The two exchanged insults during the campaign, with Trump mocking Rubio as “Little Marco” and Rubio calling Trump a “con artist.” Despite the contentious rivalry, their relationship warmed after Trump’s election, and Rubio supported Trump during the general election.
Now, as vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio has gained national attention for his focus on foreign threats, particularly from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. He has warned that these nations are increasingly forming an alliance to undermine U.S. interests and weaken its global influence.
Rubio’s nomination as Secretary of State represents a major shift in his career, from presidential candidate to leading the nation’s foreign policy strategy. His emphasis on national security and countering foreign adversaries is likely to shape his role in Trump’s administration if he is confirmed.