The geopolitical sphere has been abuzz since major news outlets reported that Florida Senator Marco Rubio is expected to be named President-elect Donald Trump's Secretary of State. However, the president has not confirmed the news so far and, as influential Republican activist Charlie Kirk wrote on social media on Tuesday: "if Trump hasn't confirmed it on Truth, don't jump to conclusions and don't believe everything you see."
In the meantime the potential anointment of Rubio is already spurring controversy in some parts of the Republican world, including with some MAGA hardliners, who are questioning both the Senator's loyalty and his overall qualifications for the job. Criticism is especially big among a specific camp of Trump followers who supported former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell for the job, according to a report by POLITICO.
Grenell, a former ambassador to Germany and special presidential envoy, has been a prominent figure in Trump's network and a key proponent of the America First agenda. "We are still waiting on the decision from President Trump and the campaign leadership on what their official decision is," said one Grenell ally granted anonymity by the outlet. "What we have been hearing is that no decision has been made."
Grenell, however, has dismissed online discussions suggesting a continued lobbying effort, posting a succinct message on his X account that read "BS. Stop grifting. Not true," indicating he may have already accepted the selection.
The criticism of Rubio from online MAGA influencers hasn't been circumscribed to the Grenell camp. Conservative comedian Dave Smith lashed out against the news on his X account, calling Rubio "a disaster." "Might as well give Liz Cheney the State Department." Right-wing influencer Peachy Keenan wrote: "Rubio? Was Hillary unavailable?."
The sentiment goes as far up as Robert Kennedy Jr, who has been allowed to weigh in on the makings of Trump's second term, according to The Hill. RFK Jr. has reportedly "expressed opposition" to the Rubio pick in private.
Backlash to the Rubio pick may also have to do with past opinions made by Trump himself. On Tuesday, a 2015 tweet by the Republican was resurfaced in which he said that "Marco Rubio is a total lightweight who I wouldn't hire to run one of my smaller companies" and "a highly overrated politician." Rubio was also heavily critical of Trump during his 2016 presidential bid. Both have been friendlier since, with the Florida senator rallying alongside Trump during the 2024 election cycle.
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