Donald Trump has selected Florida Senator Marco Rubio to serve as his Secretary of State, marking a surprising turn of events given Rubio’s past criticisms of the president. But who exactly is Marco Rubio? Here are five things you should know about the Republican senator from Florida.
Born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents, Rubio has always emphasized his working-class background and the “only in America” story of how his family achieved the American dream. Raised in a Catholic household, Rubio spent part of his childhood in Las Vegas and was even baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. After moving back to Miami at the age of 14, Rubio pursued a career in politics.
Despite his love for football, Rubio’s dream of making it to the NFL was cut short by an injury and a transfer to a Florida school. Eventually, he graduated from the University of Florida and the University of Miami Law School. In 1998, Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, with whom he has four children.
Rubio’s political career began in the Florida House of Representatives, where he quickly climbed the ranks to become majority leader and speaker. In 2010, Rubio was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Governor Charlie Crist. He has since been reelected twice, in 2016 and 2022, solidifying his place in the political landscape of Florida.
In 2016, Rubio ran for the Republican presidential nomination, but was ultimately defeated by Donald Trump. During the campaign, the two engaged in a heated rivalry, with Trump referring to Rubio as “Little Marco” and Rubio criticizing Trump as a “con artist.” However, after Trump’s election, Rubio set aside their differences and forged a working relationship with the president.
As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio has become a leading voice on national security issues, particularly in relation to China. He frequently warns of the threats posed by countries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, which he believes are working together to undermine American interests.
In conclusion, Marco Rubio’s selection as Secretary of State is a surprising choice by President-elect Donald Trump. Despite their past conflicts, Rubio has risen to become a respected figure in American politics, advocating for strong national security measures and caution against foreign threats. As he prepares to take on the role of the nation’s top diplomat, only time will tell how Rubio will navigate the complex landscape of international relations.
