Trump to Reject Vivek Ramaswamy, Picks Marco Rubio for Secretary of State: Report

Donald Trump is reportedly leaning toward picking Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State for his second term, according to recent reports dismissing Vivek Ramaswamy. Rubio, who has been a key ally during Trump’s 2024 campaign, is set to make history as the first Latino to hold the position of top US diplomat.

Rubio has served in the Senate since 2010 and was even considered by Trump as a potential candidate for the 2024 election.

Trump chose Marco Rubio over Vivek Ramaswamy

According to ABC News, President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Senator Marco Rubio for the position of Secretary of State, with Rubio being weighed alongside another key ally, Vivek Ramaswamy. This decision comes after a series of high-profile appointments to Trump’s cabinet, including positions as national security adviser, White House chief of staff and head of the EPA.

If overlooked, Ramaswamy will join Nikki Haley as the second prominent Indian-American MAGA figure left out of Trump’s incoming administration after he announced she would not be invited for a role despite her previous diplomatic service as US Ambassador to the UN Haley’s. The critical attitude towards Trump reportedly played a role in this rejection.

Who is Marco Rubio?

Rubio has served in the Senate since 2011 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The 53-year-old, who was in the running to be chosen as Trump’s running mate before the Republican Party announced Ohio Sen. JD Vance as its VP pick, also sits on the House Foreign Relations Committee.

Rubio’s bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination fell short, but he secured victories in the Minnesota, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico primaries.

Marco Rubio has consistently pushed for a robust and hands-on foreign policy, especially when it comes to nations like China, Iran and Cuba. Although he usually tends to be tough on international issues, he has changed his mind to match Trump’s views, especially when Ukraine was in doubt. Rubio, initially a strong supporter of Ukraine, later opposed a $61 billion funding bill, citing insufficient attention to immigration issues.

“I’m not on Russia’s side — but unfortunately the reality is that the way the war in Ukraine is going to end is with a negotiated settlement,” he told NBC in September. He believes that the Ukraine war will be resolved through negotiations and that the United States needs to ensure that Ukraine has a strong position in these negotiations.

Vivek Ramaswamy teases role in Trump’s cabinet

Vivek Ramaswamy, the Indian-American entrepreneur who initially challenged Donald Trump in the presidential race before suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump, has hinted at a potential role in the 47th president’s incoming cabinet.

During an appearance on ABC’s This Week, Jonathan Karl asked Vivek Ramaswamy about his potential role in another Trump administration. “There are a couple of good options on the table,” Ramaswamy said.

Vivek Ramaswamy is likely to pursue roles in Trump’s administration, with a potential position as director of the Department of Homeland Security. Alternatively, he may focus on Ohio’s political scene, where he could fill the Senate seat vacated by JD Vance’s vice presidency.