WASHINGTON – During Donald Trump’s previous campaign, it was Sen. Marco Rubio who posed challenging questions.

The Republican from Florida utilized his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to question Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, for over ten minutes regarding Russian interference in the last election.

On Wednesday, the tables will turn as Rubio faces tough inquiries regarding Trump’s unconventional strategies concerning U.S. national security during his confirmation hearing for the top diplomatic role in the country.

Since his election victory in November, Trump has made some unusual proposals, including suggestions for the U.S. to take control of Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal. More urgently, he has promised rapid actions to facilitate the return of hostages held by Hamas and an end to the long-standing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Nevertheless, Rubio’s confirmation hearing is predicted to be relatively smooth, with Democratic senators primarily focusing on a range of contentious Trump appointments.

“I believe this will be one of the most amiable hearings among all the confirmation sessions. I can’t say the same for the others,” noted Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the committee.

As a former presidential candidate and a senator for 14 years who served as the vice chair of the Senate’s bipartisan intelligence committee, Rubio is regarded as one of the few Cabinet nominees expected to gain substantial support from Democrats.

Being the son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio would also mark the history as the first Latino Secretary of State.

He is respected among his peers and regarded as a supporter of institutional governance, according to Emily Horne, a former spokesperson for the National Security Council during the Biden administration.

“Compared to some of the other Cabinet nominees, who come in aiming to disrupt the institutions they are designated to lead,” Horne remarked, “there is a general belief that Rubio will implement the administration’s foreign policy without dismantling the foreign service or our established diplomatic norms.”

Rubio has built a reputation as a tough opponent of China. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he expressed concerns about the growing connection between Moscow and Beijing. He has urged for a more robust response to Venezuela and Cuba while encouraging the U.S. to combat China’s increasing influence in Latin America and its financial ties with Iran.

Although he advocates for foreign aid to U.S. allies, including Ukraine, Rubio has criticized the Biden administration for not clearly defining what success looks like in that conflict.

“He has a hawkish stance on defense, similar to Trump, especially when America is in danger. However, he does not support endless military deployments,” explained former Trump national security advisor Robert O’Brien in a statement to YSL News.

Rubio not only shares Trump’s belief in a strategy of ‘peace through strength,’ but, as noted by his former chief of staff Cesar Conda, his roles on the Senate’s Intelligence and Foreign Relations committees have equipped him with the “experience and relationships to effectively implement this policy.”

First Priority for Rubio: Handling Trump

Rubio, who has been representing Florida in the Senate since 2011, is seen as Trump’s most mainstream Cabinet selection. However, he had an initial discord with Trump during the campaign.

After their contentious exchanges in 2016, they formed a beneficial alliance during Trump’s first term in office.

Rubio emerged as a key authority on Latin American affairs, collaborated with Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, to enhance the child tax credit, and persuaded the administration to appoint him as the go-to person for small business relief during the pandemic.

“He has shown strength in navigating Trump and aligning him with his perspectives,” remarked a former senior aide to Rubio, who wished to remain anonymous to discuss their working dynamic candidly.

Their relationship strengthened as Rubio actively campaigned alongside Trump during both the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. They often spent time together away from the public eye at rallies and aboard Trump’s private jet, according to sources familiar with their relationship.

Trump’s first Secretary of State, Tillerson, had a short tenure of less than a year due to challenges with Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy approach, largely communicated through social media.

If confirmed, Rubio will approach the role with the belief that the Secretary of State’s responsibility is to implement the president’s vision and agenda, as stated by a source aware of Rubio’s mindset.

Early appointees in Trump’s national security team often did not grasp that the former real estate mogul had a “clearly defined worldview well before he assumed the presidency,” O’Brien stated.

Having already spent four years in office, “I think Trump will seek advice from Marco, especially concerning Latin America, while relying on him to be the primary representative of U.S. interests abroad,” O’Brien added.

Rubio is likely to perform significantly better than Tillerson, as he has traveled extensively throughout his Senate career and understands the workings of the State Department and intelligence organizations, as cited by both current and former aides.

Smooth Confirmation Expected

Ahead of Rubio’s confirmation hearing, senators from both parties have indicated it will likely be an easy process.

“I have a long-standing acquaintance with Senator Rubio and have collaborated with him extensively; I fully support his nomination,” said Cornyn.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., expressed, “I know him quite well and will probably inquire about Latin America, as that is an area of mutual interest for both of us.”

Virginia Senator Mark Warner, who led the Intelligence Committee while Rubio served as the ranking member, praised Rubio in a public statement, describing him as a potential “strong advocate for American interests globally.”

Republicans could confirm Rubio solely through GOP votes if no dissent arises. However, several Democratic senators have already indicated their support.

Sen. John Fetterman from Pennsylvania stated he would vote for Rubio, while Oregon Senator Ron Wyden mentioned he is eager to hear Rubio’s perspective but values his contributions on foreign surveillance issues.

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, another Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, expressed intentions to ask about the civil war in Sudan, a topic he has previously discussed with Rubio.

“Despite our differences in foreign policy views, I respect many aspects of Senator Rubio, including his values and work ethic, which make me inclined to support him,” noted Booker.

When it comes to questions about acquiring territories like Greenland through military action, Booker conveyed his dissatisfaction with the subject: “I will not be focusing on matters I see as distractions from pressing issues we face today.”