President-elect Donald Trump is expected to announce Florida Sen Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State, The New York Times cited sources to report on Monday. The 53-year-old, who was also touted as a likely Republican running mate, has been vocal about his opposition of Hamas, China and Iran. If chosen, he will work alongside NSA Mike Waltz – another China hawk.
Neither the Trump campaign nor Rubio himself have confirmed his appointment as the scretary of state.
Read More: Why Melania Trump Is Skipping White House Tea With Jill Biden | REVEALED
What Has Marco Rubio Said About Hamas, Iran And China
Rubio, a staunch Israel supporter, had spoken about Tel Aviv having 'no choice but to seek the complete eradication of Hamas in Gaza', days after the militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. He said that 'this tragically necessary effort will come at a horrifying price' and 'the price of failing to permanently eliminate this group of sadistic savages is even more horrifying'.
Read More: ‘Dog-Shooter’ Kristi Noem Picked As Trump’s Homeland Security Secretary: Report
The Florida senator further said Hamas members were 'vicious animals'. When asked to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, he said: “No, I will not – on the contrary, I want you guys to get this – I want [Israel] to destroy every element of Hamas they can get their hands on. These people are vicious animals who did horrifying crimes – and I hope you guys post that, because that’s my position."
According to a New York Times report, in 2020, 'Rubio sponsored a bill that tried to prevent the import of Chinese goods made with the use of forced labor by China’s ethnic Uyghur minority. President Biden signed it into law the next year'.