President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Senator Marco Rubio of Florida as Secretary of State, according to sources close to Trump’s transition team. If confirmed, Rubio will become the first Latino to serve as the United States’ top diplomat, marking a historical and strategic choice for the incoming administration. Rubio’s selection signals a significant shift in Republican foreign policy, reflecting Trump’s redefined “America First” doctrine and a move toward foreign policy restraint.
In addition, reports indicate Trump has chosen Representative Michael Waltz, a former Special Forces officer and known China critic, as National Security Advisor. These appointments are expected to shape the administration’s foreign and defense strategies, especially regarding U.S. interests in Ukraine, China, and Latin America.
Rubio has established himself as a forceful voice in the Senate on issues related to China, Iran, and Cuba, consistently advocating a robust foreign policy. Over the years, however, he has modified certain stances to align more closely with Trump’s vision. Previously a staunch advocate of military intervention and a supporter of NATO’s stronghold in Europe, Rubio has, of late, gravitated toward a more restrained foreign policy approach that mirrors Trump’s critique of costly international involvements.
The selection of Rubio, whose positions have evolved to include a call for negotiated settlements in conflict zones such as Ukraine, underscores Trump’s departure from the hawkish foreign policies traditionally associated with the Republican Party. Speaking to NBC in September, Rubio remarked, “The reality of it is that the way the war in Ukraine is going to end is with a negotiated settlement.” He has also been among a minority of Republicans who questioned the rationale behind extensive military aid to Ukraine, voting against a $95 billion aid package in April.
Rubio’s views on the Ukraine conflict may mark a departure from recent U.S. policy, which has largely favored extensive military assistance. He is poised to emphasize diplomacy and economic measures over prolonged military aid, a stance that resonates with the isolationist sentiments growing among Republican ranks. As Secretary of State, Rubio will likely pursue negotiations for a resolution in Ukraine while seeking ways to pressure Russia economically.
The Rubio appointment also symbolizes a broader shift among Republicans, many of whom believe European allies are not sufficiently contributing to their own defense. This sentiment has been a cornerstone of Trump’s approach to foreign alliances, notably NATO. Trump has criticized NATO members for falling short of defense spending commitments and warned that under his administration, the U.S. might reconsider its obligations to countries failing to meet those expectations.
Domestically, Rubio’s appointment carries substantial political weight. Trump’s victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris on November 5 was partly fueled by a significant shift in Latino voting patterns, with many supporting Trump despite a longstanding trend toward the Democratic Party. By appointing Rubio, a prominent Latino figure, to a high-profile position, Trump may seek to reinforce this electoral gain and demonstrate his commitment to diverse representation in his administration.
Rubio’s Cuban heritage and outspoken opposition to normalization of relations with Cuba have positioned him as a trusted voice on Latin American issues among many Latino voters, particularly those with family histories shaped by the region’s political turbulence. A fierce critic of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, Rubio has frequently condemned the Venezuelan regime, calling for increased U.S. intervention and economic sanctions against Maduro’s government. This stance aligns with Trump’s own policy toward Latin America, which has emphasized pushing back against authoritarianism in the region.
Trump’s selection of Representative Michael Waltz as National Security Advisor is another indication of his administration’s broader foreign policy priorities. Waltz, a former Green Beret and vocal critic of China, brings military experience and a strong belief in the principle of “peace through strength.” Known for his pragmatic and economic approach to national security, Waltz has advocated a strategy that combines diplomacy with sanctions to address major international issues, including the Ukraine crisis.
At a recent event, Waltz argued that sanctions on Russia’s energy sector could weaken its war efforts without additional military support, stating, “You could win this economically.” He has further suggested flooding global oil markets with U.S. crude to undermine Russia’s revenue, effectively neutralizing one of Russia’s major funding sources for its military endeavors. Waltz’s advocacy for economic measures aligns with Trump’s preference for solutions that reduce U.S. reliance on military intervention.
Waltz’s appointment also indicates a continued focus on China as a central concern for the new administration. Waltz has been a consistent advocate for curbing Chinese influence, especially in terms of technological security. He has long called for restrictions on Chinese companies like Huawei and TikTok, citing concerns over data security and China’s use of technology as a tool of global influence. Waltz’s expertise in military strategy and understanding of unconventional warfare tactics have fueled his stance against China’s growing role in global telecommunications and tech industries.
During Trump’s previous administration, Rubio was instrumental in calling for a national security review of TikTok’s acquisition of Musical.ly, a move that resulted in significant scrutiny and ongoing divestment negotiations. This focus on restricting Chinese influence is likely to continue under Trump’s new administration, with both Rubio and Waltz advocating a tough stance on trade and technology policies that protect U.S. interests.
Rubio’s anticipated nomination may spark some criticism from Trump’s allies who view his past support for NATO as at odds with Trump’s stance on the alliance. During Trump’s first term, Rubio co-sponsored legislation that would have complicated any attempt to withdraw from NATO by requiring a two-thirds Senate vote. Trump has long criticized NATO allies for insufficient defense spending and has suggested that the U.S. might not support NATO members that fail to meet these obligations. By nominating Rubio, Trump may be seeking to balance hawkish and isolationist elements within the Republican foreign policy spectrum.
However, Rubio’s revised stance toward Europe, which now leans toward a more selective engagement, could resonate with Trump’s supporters who favor focusing resources on domestic issues. Some Republicans argue that the U.S. should refrain from committing extensive resources to European defense, particularly when allies fall short of defense spending commitments.
Both Rubio and Waltz symbolize a transformation within the Republican Party’s foreign policy framework. While Rubio once represented the interventionist ideals of neoconservative Republicans, his adaptation to Trump’s “America First” vision reflects a broader evolution. The party that once championed expansive foreign interventions now includes figures advocating for restrained international involvement.
This shift may appeal to a Republican base increasingly skeptical of protracted foreign engagements, particularly in regions where U.S. interests are less direct. The post-9/11 era of U.S. foreign policy, defined by major military interventions, appears to be winding down in favor of an approach that emphasizes diplomacy, sanctions, and selective intervention only when deemed critical to U.S. interests.
If Rubio and Waltz are confirmed in their respective roles, the new administration will likely pursue a balanced approach that merges Trump’s emphasis on restraint with Rubio’s and Waltz’s pragmatic views on global conflicts. Both appointments suggest a commitment to safeguarding U.S. interests through economic means, with military action as a last resort. The policy framework could reduce U.S. involvement in costly foreign conflicts while still projecting American power through economic leverage and diplomatic channels.
Rubio’s and Waltz’s hardline stances on China, meanwhile, imply that the Trump administration will remain vigilant against perceived threats from Beijing. Rubio’s tenure in the Senate Intelligence Committee and his insistence on limiting Chinese influence in American technology and finance indicate a readiness to challenge China on multiple fronts, reinforcing a key tenet of Trump’s foreign policy legacy.
