Trump Keeps MAGA World Guessing as His Opponents Welcome Marco Rubio Report

As President-elect Donald Trump finalizes his administration, some of his staunch allies are expressing concerns over his potential pick for secretary of state.

Reports surfaced earlier this week that U.S. Senator Marco Rubio from Florida is expected to be appointed as Trump's top diplomat in the coming days. At 53, Rubio would become the first Latino to serve as secretary of state, and he had been considered a potential running mate for Trump in the 2024 election.

However, several Trump supporters are skeptical about the reports. Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna tweeted late Monday night, saying, "[Apparently, there hasn't been a SOS pick yet]." A source familiar with the situation told The Hill that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is expected to play a role in Trump's second administration, has expressed opposition to Rubio's appointment, stating he would advocate for a candidate who is less aligned with neoconservative views.

Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk also urged caution, advising against jumping to conclusions before Trump officially announces his Cabinet picks. He confirmed several key roles, including White House chief of staff and Department of Homeland Security appointments.

"Folks, word of wisdom," Kirk wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "If Trump hasn't confirmed it on Truth, don't jump to conclusions and don't believe everything you see."

Some of Trump's vocal critics, however, have welcomed Rubio’s potential selection. Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger told CNN that he believes Rubio would be a "pretty good" choice for secretary of state.

"Marco Rubio has been obviously changing," Kinzinger said, noting Rubio's vote against a $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine in April. "But he's not a neocon... He understands foreign policy, which is important. Compared to other potential picks with little foreign policy experience, Rubio is a solid choice."

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, also expressed support, stating on X, "Unsurprisingly, the other team's pick will have political differences than my own. That being said, @SenMarcoRubio is a strong choice, and I look forward to voting for his confirmation."

Sources within the Biden administration have reportedly viewed Rubio's potential appointment as a "relief," especially in contrast to other rumored candidates like Ric Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany. An anonymous senior official remarked that Rubio would be a "serious" and "qualified" candidate for secretary of state. Multiple career diplomats also voiced concerns about the State Department becoming too politicized under a Grenell appointment.

While the choice has not been finalized, there are reports suggesting that Trump may still change his mind. If Rubio is selected, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would need to appoint a temporary replacement for his Senate seat until a special election in 2026.