WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday his intention to nominate Senator Marco Rubio from Florida as secretary of state in his upcoming administration.

At 53 years old, Rubio brings extensive experience in foreign policy. He has transitioned from being a critic of Trump to a close supporter and was even considered for the vice presidency. If confirmed by the Senate, Rubio will be the chief U.S. diplomat during a time when Trump’s “America First” policy is a priority, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts involving Ukraine and Russia, as well as Israel and Hamas.

“I am honored to announce that Senator Marco Rubio from Florida is nominated to be the Secretary of State of the United States,” Trump stated in a release. “Marco is a highly regarded leader and a significant advocate for freedom. He will strongly represent our nation and be a true ally to our friends while standing firm against our foes. I look forward to partnering with Marco to make America and the world safer and greater!”

Currently, Rubio serves as the leading Republican member on the Senate Intelligence Committee and is part of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As a Cuban American, he would be the first Latino to hold the secretary of state position.

“It’s a significant responsibility to lead the U.S. Department of State, and I appreciate the confidence President Trump has shown in me,” Rubio expressed in a statement. “As Secretary of State, I will dedicate myself to executing his foreign policy vision. With President Trump’s leadership, we will promote ‘peace through strength’ and always prioritize the interests of Americans. I look forward to gaining the support of my Senate colleagues to ensure the President’s national security team is ready when he takes office on January 20.”

The senator from Florida has shown his support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia but voted against further aid for the country last year. He has suggested that the resolution to the Ukraine war will likely come through “negotiated settlements,” a stance echoed by Trump. Additionally, he has advocated for a tough stance on American rivals, including China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela.

Rubio’s position on immigration has shifted over the years; in previous years, he was a key player in the Gang of Eight and supported pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Currently, he endorses Trump’s plans for mass deportations and voted against a bipartisan border security bill opposed by Trump this year.

His political evolution reflects a transition towards Trump’s style of conservative populism, moving away from his earlier connections to Jeb Bush.

During the 2016 presidential primary, Rubio campaigned against Trump, labeling him a “con artist” unworthy of trust with nuclear codes. Trump humorously referred to him as “Little Marco.” However, they reconciled soon after the election, collaborating on shared policies during Trump’s first term, particularly in handling foreign policy regarding Latin America. Their alliance deepened during the 2024 campaign, where Trump nearly selected Rubio as his running mate in July.

After losing the vice presidential pick, Rubio remained a strong ally, supporting Trump at numerous campaign events, including one on the eve of the election. He frequently appeared on television to advocate for Trump.

Rumors indicated Trump was also considering U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee, former ambassador to Germany Ric Grenell, and former national security adviser Robert O’Brien for the position.

Rubio’s appointment is pending Senate confirmation, but with Republicans holding a 53-seat majority, it is expected to go smoothly due to Rubio’s long-standing Senate relationships.

If confirmed, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will appoint Rubio’s successor. Potential candidates for the position include Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, and DeSantis’ chief of staff James Uthmeier.

Rubio will join a rapidly forming administration, which includes Trump campaign advisor Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff; Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy; Tom Homan leading deportation and aviation security; Florida Rep. Mike Waltz serving as national security adviser; former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as U.S. ambassador to Israel; and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem tapped for secretary of Homeland Security.

This story has been updated to add additional information.