On Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, will appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in what is expected to be a low-drama confirmation hearing.
In contrast to the fireworks seen during Pete Hegseth’s appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday as he made his case for confirmation as defense secretary, Rubio is unlikely to face grave pushback from his Senate colleagues. He’s been in the Senate since 2011, so he knows how to play the game, and there wasn’t much nonsense from Democrats before the hearing.
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Rubio is no newcomer when it comes to foreign affairs served both the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee.
During his time in the Senate, Rubio has become an expert on international affairs as Senate Vice Chairman Intelligence Committee and as a senior member of the Foreign Relations Committee. As the son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio understands that freedom must be vigilantly defended and that the evils of socialism and communism are real. With Rubio as our next Secretary of State, Trump has an experienced leader who can speak with eloquence and conviction around the world about American exceptionalism and the U.S. Constitution.
And although there were some clashes with Trump in the 2016 presidential primaries, the two made peace long ago and Rubio was one of the president-elect’s first Nominations after winning a second term.
“He will be a strong advocate for our nation, a true friend to our allies and a fearless warrior who will never give in to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement.
Unlike some of Trump’s other favorites, like Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard, who immediately faced backlash from Democrats and some Republicans, Rubio’s nomination was well received. Naturally, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) was quick to offer his support.
Not surprisingly, there will be political differences in the other team’s selection compared to my own.
That being said, my colleague @SenMarcoRubio is a good choice and I look forward to voting for his confirmation. pic.twitter.com/OUIDx5KK4J
– US Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) November 12, 2024
Rubio also received the support of Democratic Senate Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL), who explained:
“Senator Rubio and I share many similar views on foreign policy and as a result have worked closely together in the Senate to advance legislation on human rights around the world, the ongoing threat from China, and the recent sham election in Venezuela,” Durbin said in the statement.
“I believe that Senator Rubio understands the role of the United States internationally, has served honorably on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and is a good choice to lead the State Department. “I plan to vote yes on his nomination when it comes before the Senate,” the Democratic lawmaker noted.
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, is expected to take a tough line on China at his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Here is one preview:
In his prepared remarks, obtained by US News, Rubio elaborates on American rivals and enemies, but also criticizes unnamed globalists who he says have discouraged the United States from pursuing its own interests and instead building an international order. which is being undermined by powers like China.
These powers “take full advantage,” the senator says. “But they ignored all his obligations and responsibilities. Instead, they lied, cheated, hacked and won global superpower status at our expense.”
Despite little pushback from Democrats, some of the stars from Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, including Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), will appear again at Rubio’s confirmation hearing. Hopefully things stay alive.
Once confirmed as secretary of state, Rubio will step down from his Senate seat and all eyes will be on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis naming a replacement.
RedState will be covering all the action from Marco Rubio’s hearing, so be sure to check back for the latest information.
