President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday he has selected Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida to be the next secretary of state.
"He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries," Trump said.
News of Rubio's nomination was first reported by The New York Times on Tuesday, citing three people familiar with the decision.
Although Rubio has been a vocal supporter of Trump in recent years, that wasn’t always the case. The two frequently sparred while competing for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.
RELATED STORY | What we know about Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, Trump's future national security adviser
During one debate, Rubio took a personal jab at Trump, commenting on his small hands.
"You know what they say about men with small hands,” Rubio said.
Trump also nicknamed Rubio “Little Marco,” an apparent jab at the senator’s height.
RELATED STORY | Trump announces former acting ICE Director Tom Homan as new 'border czar'
However, they seemed to mend fences once Trump secured the nomination and the presidency.
Rubio was also on Trump’s shortlist for a running mate in 2024, though Trump ultimately chose Senator J.D. Vance.
A week after Trump's election victory, his administration is starting to take shape. He has tapped South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Susie Wilies as chief of staff, Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff, Tom Homan as "border czar," Lee Zeldin as head of the Environmental Protection Agency and Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
