US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set to nominate Florida Senator Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State and Florida Representative Michael Waltz as his National Security Adviser, according to The New York Times. These appointments signal a shift towards a more hawkish, pro-Israel foreign policy under the incoming administration, with both Rubio and Waltz known for their strong stances on issues such as Israel, Iran, and China.
Rubio, who was considered for Trump’s vice-presidential pick in the 2016 election, has long supported a robust foreign policy, particularly in relation to the Middle East and US rivals like China. He has been an outspoken advocate for Israel, accusing President Joe Biden of insufficient support for the Jewish state amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah. Rubio’s tough stance on foreign policy is expected to align with Trump’s “America First” strategy, which aims to end US military entanglements overseas while reinforcing its alliances with countries like Israel.
Waltz, a former Green Beret, has been a vocal critic of Biden’s approach to Israel, particularly regarding ceasefire efforts in Gaza. He has also called for a stronger stance against Iran, emphasizing the need to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. As a member of key defense and foreign relations committees, Waltz brings significant military experience to his new role.
Together, Rubio and Waltz will play pivotal roles in shaping Trump’s foreign policy, with their shared focus on supporting Israel, countering Iran’s influence, and confronting the growing economic and military power of China. They join a growing list of officials with strong pro-Israel credentials, including New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who has been appointed as US Ambassador to the United Nations.
These cabinet picks signal Trump’s continued alignment with Israel and his commitment to confronting geopolitical challenges with a more aggressive, hawkish approach. However, sources close to Israeli officials caution that Trump’s return to the White House does not necessarily mean a green light for controversial policies like annexing the West Bank, despite his past actions such as moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty in the Golan Heights.