Trimmel Gomes, Producer
Thursday, November 14, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump has named Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as his nominee for Secretary of State, prompting experts to assess Rubio's credentials and potential effect on U.S. relations with Latin America.
While some see his experience on the Senate Intelligence Committee as an asset, others are skeptical of his shifting positions and limited focus on the region.
Susan MacManus, distinguished professor emerita of political science at the University of South Florida, said Rubio is very experienced at international politics and able to articulate it in an understandable way when engaging with the press.
"Rubio makes a lot of sense as an appointment for Trump because of his appearance and his insight into foreign policy as a consequence of sitting on the Senate Intelligence Committee for quite a while," MacManus pointed out. "He is very experienced at international politics."
Rubio is a one-time critic of Trump turned fierce advocate. He is known for being a hawk on China, Cuba and Iran. Rubio's knowledge of South American politics could address what some see as a long-standing oversight in that region. However, some experts said the area is far more complex than Rubio's narrow focus on issues in Cuba and Venezuela.
Adriana Novoa, professor of Latin American history at the University of South Florida, questioned Rubio's consistency and depth on foreign policy while noting his anti-China positions.
"The reality is that the biggest presence economically in Latin America are China, Russia and South Africa, so they are moving away From the U.S.," Novoa explained. "Foreign policy only focused on the problems of Venezuela and Cuba will not cut it."
Novoa expects Rubio will have a difficult time on the job if he fails to address larger regional economic and political shifts.
Meanwhile, MacManus expects with Rubio at the helm, the U.S. will pay increased attention to South America, particularly to counter China's growing influence.
"For years now, people have complained that continent has been ignored," MacManus observed. "Meanwhile, there's been a lot of influx and money rolling into South American countries from Iran, Russia, China, for example, all of whom are becoming part of a growing coalition that's sort of counter to the American and European coalition."
Novoa thinks navigating such issues requires more skills, as she does not think Rubio is gifted or consistent enough on foreign policy issues.
"Not because he doesn't have the capacity but he switched so much his positions since when I first started following him," Novoa noted. "He was kind of a hawkish, classic Republican, and since then he has switched a lot to adjust to the political balance of the party, so I don't know, really."
With Rubio expected to leave his coveted Senate seat for a role in the Trump administration, all eyes are on Gov. Ron DeSantis to see whom he will choose as a replacement or placeholder, as many anticipate DeSantis's own eventual transition to the Senate at the end of his term.
get more stories like this via email

Social Issues
Mississippi families struggling with food insecurity are bracing for another difficult summer after state officials declined millions in federal fundi…
Environment
Some experts predict arable land per person will shrink by two-thirds by 2050. To combat it, Michigan students are being trained in "smart" …
Environment
A new study by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality found nitrate levels have continued to rise across the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater …
Social Issues
Colorado lawmakers are working to ensure all Coloradans with health coverage for ambulance services are not hit with surprise bills or charged higher …
Environment
Conservation groups in Maine are calling on the state's congressional delegation to protect federal funding for clean energy technologies. A new …
Atlantic menhaden weigh less than a pound and measure little more than a foot long but the small fish has big consequences for the Chesapeake Bay ecos…
Social Issues
Gov. Kay Ivey delivered her 2025 State of the State address this week, focusing on education, public safety, and economic growth in Alabama. She …
Social Issues
In rural states such as South and North Dakota and large urban centers around the U.S., protests were held Wednesday amid fears about the first wave …