Key Takeaways:
– Marco Rubio, son of Cuban immigrants, is expected to become a key player in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
– Rubio, who was first seen as a moderate Republican, is now a staunch Trump supporter.
– His hard-line stance on China, Cuba and Iran could shape US foreign policy.
– Rubio’s nomination as Secretary of State is yet to be confirmed by the Trump administration.
Marco Rubio’s Relationship with Trump
Rewind a little, and you’d see Marco Rubio in a somewhat different light. He was trading schoolyard insults with Donald Trump. The two could not be more different at the time. Yet, things have changed. Today, Rubio is poised to become the leading face of the Trump administration to the world. Reports suggest Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, might be the next Secretary of State. However, official confirmation is still awaited.
Rubio’s Views on International Issues
Known for his strong stance against the communist government in Havana and other Latin American leftists, Rubio’s role could potentially steer the US foreign policy towards a more hawkish path. Particularly, his firm opinions on China put him at the center of attention. As a Senator from Florida, Rubio has persistently voiced his concern over China’s influence and has ardently supported Taiwan. His efforts to curb Chinese business operations in the US and his drive to hold China accountable for its actions in Hong Kong and against the Uyghur minority are widely recognized.
Apart from China, Rubio has always been vocal in his support for Israel while maintaining a hard line on Iran. His policy presumptions and positions might contour the direction of the Trump administration’s foreign policy.
The Senator’s Past and Outlook
Despite his firm views, Rubio, at 53, was once seen as an emerging figure in a more moderate Republican party. A party that sought to extend its bridge to minorities and swing voters in the suburbs. However, his role in politics has evolved substantially. After losing out to Trump in the 2016 Republican primary, Rubio not only supported but also aligned with Trump’s attitudes and policy perspectives.
As Trump gears up for his second term, with mass deportation as a key plank of his platform, Rubio has fully embraced his ideals. In fact, in a post-election interview, Rubio conformed to Trump’s viewpoint that the US should focus more on its rivalry with China rather than continually investing in weapons.
Rubio’s Take on Indo-Pacific Relations
While discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rubio was diplomatic, suggesting that the US needed pragmatism, not billions in weapons. His focus was clear – the Indo-Pacific. Rubio believes that the future of the 21st century will depend overwhelmingly on what transpires in the Indo-Pacific. His role in the Senate to arm Taiwan, deter China, and support direct shipments of US munitions are indicative of his leanings.
Rubio’s Personal Life and Past
There’s more to Rubio than just his political persona. From winning a city election only five years out of college to becoming the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives at 34, Rubio’s journey has been significant. He is a Roman Catholic, married to his childhood love, Jeanette Dousdebes. The couple has four daughters together.
Rubio never shies away from talking about his humble beginnings – his father was a bartender and his mother, a cashier. He often shares how his Cuban-immigrant parents inspired him, particularly their staunch opposition to communism. Rubio passionately believes that America is the world’s beacon for the oppressed. Here, his family’s story reaffirms his political persuasion and outlook. As he moves up in the Trump administration, Rubio’s influence will undeniably shape America’s foreign policies.