Staff Reports
Rumors are flying faster than a Biden gaffe about who could potentially take over the reins of the U.S. State Department if Donald Trump secures a second term this November. Among the names being tossed around are none other than Florida’s own Marco Rubio and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Both are suddenly vying to be Trump’s right-hand men in foreign affairs, which is refreshing considering the last guy in charge couldn’t even be trusted to handle a simple press conference.
While Trump has previously floated the idea of Burgum stepping into the role of Energy Secretary—presumably to keep American energy from going the way of the dodo—new reports suggest that the former presidential contender is heating things up as a candidate for Secretary of State instead. Meanwhile, Rubio is also said to be in the ring for this coveted position. For those keeping score at home, this is a considerable boost for both, especially since they had been rumored vice presidential options before Trump made the surprising choice of J.D. Vance.
Washington Examiner: Rubio allegedly vying for secretary of state role after Trump hints Burgum could get Cabinet prize https://t.co/DZkFXH8xRQ
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) July 30, 2024
Burgum has already earned applause from the Trump camp, especially after he rode off into the sunset of a failed presidential run to endorse the former president. His loyalty seems to be paying off, as he’s now basking in the glow of potential high office. The governor has even joked about being addressed as “Mr. Secretary” after a chat with Trump, which goes to show how quickly political fortunes can change in the GOP circus.
The attention on these two contenders emphasizes Trump’s need for competent and battle-tested voices in his administration. Rubio, with his significant experience as a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, certainly checks that box. The senator has spent more than a decade diligently crafting a foreign policy record that includes standing up to the likes of China—a country that makes even the grittiest horror movies look like family-friendly films—while also promoting stronger ties with allies like India to counteract further Chinese intrusions in global politics.
This isn’t the first rodeo for Rubio in staking a claim on foreign policy. This time back in 2016, he boldly proclaimed his supremacy in the field over his GOP counterparts. Touted as the son of Cuban immigrants who escaped the horrors of Castro’s regime, he has spent his political career not just waving the flag, but setting fire to the embers of communism throughout the world.
The speculation swirling around potential cabinet picks shows a distinct shift in focus for the Trump administration, one that appears to prioritize experience and commitment to America’s interests abroad. Voters are left wondering who will finally occupy the Secretary of State seat, but one thing is clear: whoever it is, they’ll need to be ready to throw down against global threats and uphold American values like a luchador in a wrestling ring.
