Donald Trump has selected Florida Senator Marco Rubio to serve as his Secretary of State, marking a significant shift in their previously contentious relationship. Once a vocal critic, Rubio is now positioned to take on the top diplomatic role in the U.S. Here’s a look at the senator’s life and career.
Marco Rubio, 53, was born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents. His father worked as a bartender, and his mother was a hotel maid. Rubio often highlights his working-class roots, emphasizing his “American Dream” story. Although he spent part of his childhood in Las Vegas, where his family briefly attended Mormon services, they returned to Miami when he was 14.
A passionate football fan, Rubio had dreams of playing in the NFL but shifted his focus after an injury. Despite receiving few offers to play college football, he attended Tarkio College in Missouri before transferring to the University of Florida, eventually earning a law degree from the University of Miami. In 1998, he married Jeanette Dousdebes, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, and they have four children together.
Rubio began his political career in the Florida House of Representatives, eventually serving as Speaker. In 2010, he ran for the U.S. Senate against Governor Charlie Crist, rebuffing calls to drop out and run for Attorney General. Rubio won the Senate seat and has since been re-elected twice, in 2016 and 2022.
During the 2016 presidential race, Rubio competed against Trump for the Republican nomination. Although he won several states, he lost his home state of Florida to Trump. The campaign saw sharp personal attacks, with Trump calling Rubio “Little Marco” and Rubio labeling Trump a “con artist.” Despite their rivalry, Rubio and Trump have since reconciled, and Rubio supported Trump during the 2020 campaign.
A prominent member of both the Senate Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committees, Rubio has become a key voice on foreign policy. He has consistently warned of the growing threat from countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, emphasizing their strategic alliances aimed at challenging U.S. global leadership.
Rubio’s nomination for Secretary of State is a defining moment in his political career, highlighting his foreign policy expertise and his evolving relationship with Trump, now poised to influence U.S. diplomacy on the world stage.
