Trump expected to choose Marco Rubio as secretary of state

US President-elect Donald Trump is expected to name Marco Rubio as secretary of state, a person familiar with the matter said, granting a top job in his second administration to a one-time rival who later became one of his most ardent supporters in the Senate.

Rubio campaigned extensively for Trump and was on the shortlist to be his running mate. Florida’s senior senator helped the campaign reach out to Latino communities, and spoke at a rally Pennsylvania on the final day of the campaign to introduce Trump in Spanish.

Representatives for Trump and Rubio did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The New York Times reported the news earlier Monday. Reuters and The Miami Herald also reported Rubio’s impending appointment, citing unnamed sources.

Fellow Florida Senator Rick Scott sent congratulations to Rubio in a message on X, writing: “He will restore American leadership around the world, especially in Latin America, as he represents the United States with dignity and courage!”

Rubio has taken an aggressive stance on China’s emergence as an economic power and has supported Israel’s war in Gaza and its attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, while also being a strong supporter of Nato. He served on both the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee.

Rubio has defended Trump’s position to bring a swift end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling for talks that could result in Kyiv giving up territory occupied by Russian forces.