Donald Trump's Next Secretary of State: Is Marco Rubio in the Running?

Could Marco Rubio be the next Secretary of State? According to sources, President-elect Donald Trump is strongly considering the Florida Senator for the top diplomatic job. This comes as Trump is finalizing his national security team for a second term. On Monday, it seemed Ric Grenell, who served as Trump’s ambassador to Germany and later as acting director of national intelligence, was the frontrunner. But by the end of the day, Trump's preference shifted to Rubio after several talks with his allies.

Rubio, a seasoned foreign policy expert, sits on both the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee. He's been vocal about China, introducing legislation to block tax credits for electric vehicle batteries produced with Chinese technology. Plus, he has a close relationship with incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles. After his failed 2016 presidential bid, Rubio reinvented himself as a populist in Washington. He's been a regular on Trump’s campaign trail, proving they've come a long way since Rubio publicly criticized Trump in 2016, calling him a "con artist" and mocking his hands. Despite the past tense remarks, Rubio and Trump have since mended their relationship. But until an official offer is made, Trump could still change his mind.

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