Florida Lawmakers in Contention for Major Roles in Trump’s Administration

Two prominent Florida lawmakers with firm positions against China are contenders for senior roles in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. According to sources, Senator Marco Rubio may become the future secretary of state, while military veteran Michael Waltz is being considered for national security adviser, CBS News reports. Another potential key figure in Trump’s government is South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who may take on the role of homeland security secretary.

Currently, neither Rubio nor Waltz’s offices have commented on these possible appointments. Trump’s administration is beginning to solidify following his recent election victory, and his Republican Party is on the verge of holding a majority in both chambers of Congress. They have regained the Senate and are approaching a majority in the House as vote-counting continues. Certain appointments, such as secretary of state, would need Senate approval, although Trump has expressed a desire for the Senate leader to allow him to bypass this requirement. Other positions, including national security adviser, can be filled directly by the president without Senate involvement.

The possible appointments for Rubio, Waltz, and Noem follow several recent decisions by Trump. He selected Susie Wiles as his chief of staff, nominated former immigration official Tom Homan as “border tsar,” and chose New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as his future ambassador to the United Nations. Trump has the authority to make around 4,000 political appointments, and his first presidency demonstrated the challenges of assembling a cabinet, which took him several months to complete.

Marco Rubio: The Foreign Policy Hawk

Though unconfirmed, Rubio, 53, is widely seen as a strong candidate for the secretary of state position, the top U.S. diplomatic role. Rubio’s political career has prepared him well for such a post. He currently serves as vice-chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and sits on the Foreign Relations Committee. Known as a foreign policy “hawk,” Rubio has been a vocal advocate for strict stances against both Iran and China. He has also shown support for Ukraine but has remarked that the ongoing conflict with Russia “needs to be brought to a conclusion.”

Rubio and Trump were once bitter rivals during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, with disagreements on multiple issues, especially immigration. Their clashes led to public exchanges of insults, with Trump dubbing him “little Marco,” and Rubio making comments about Trump’s “small hands.” However, Rubio eventually endorsed Trump and campaigned for him ahead of the 2024 election. He was even a potential candidate for vice president before the role went to JD Vance, who holds a similar view to Trump on China.

The son of Cuban immigrants, Rubio has a background that resonates with many working-class voters. He was first elected to the Senate in 2010, bringing with him a tough stance on foreign policy that has positioned him as a prominent voice on global security issues within the Republican Party.

Michael Waltz: Soldier Turned Congressman

Michael Waltz, 50, is expected to take on the role of national security adviser, as reported by CBS. His military background and long-standing support for Trump have made him a fitting candidate for the position, which focuses on identifying and countering threats to the U.S. Unlike other appointments, the role of national security adviser does not require Senate approval. Waltz, a decorated Green Beret, has completed multiple tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. His experiences, which he documented in his book Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret’s Battles from Washington to Afghanistan, include time spent in combat operations overseas and in policy roles within the Pentagon under President George W. Bush.

Waltz is also a staunch advocate for U.S. preparedness in the Pacific, a stance shaped by his concerns over China’s expanding influence. Serving as chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, he has called for increased measures to prepare for potential conflicts in the region. While he has supported U.S. aid to Ukraine, Waltz has suggested recently that the extent of American spending on the war effort might need reevaluation. He believes NATO allies should bolster their defense spending, though he has not gone as far as Trump, who has reportedly floated the idea of the U.S. withdrawing from the alliance.

“Look, we can be allies and friends and have tough conversations,” Waltz remarked last month, highlighting his stance on balancing alliances with a strong national defense policy. Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Waltz has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden’s handling of foreign policy.

If appointed, Waltz would be required to resign from his seat in the House of Representatives, potentially affecting a Republican majority if they end up holding a slim lead. Waltz would be the fifth national security adviser appointed by Trump, who replaced three of his four previous advisers during his first term. This included Michael Flynn, HR McMaster, and John Bolton, the latter actively opposing Trump’s 2024 campaign.

Kristi Noem: The South Dakota Governor

Governor Kristi Noem, 52, is anticipated to oversee U.S. homeland security, a critical role addressing border security, cyber threats, terrorism, and emergency response. The Department of Homeland Security, which she may head, operates with a $62 billion budget and has thousands of employees. Noem would collaborate with Tom Homan, who was named “border tsar,” and Stephen Miller, Trump’s policy lead, to implement the administration’s immigration objectives.

Noem was bypassed for the vice-presidential nomination in part due to a curious revelation in which she admitted to killing her pet dog. Her political journey began when she dropped out of college at age 22 to take over her family’s farm, a decision that eventually led her to public office. In 2018, she became the first woman elected governor of South Dakota.

Known for her close association with Trump, Noem reportedly gifted him a 4-foot replica of Mount Rushmore with his likeness added alongside former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Trump once jokingly expressed a desire to see his face carved on the monument, a sentiment that Noem took as an opportunity to humor him with the personalized replica.

As Trump’s administration takes shape, figures like Rubio, Waltz, and Noem are set to play vital roles if their nominations are confirmed. Each brings a distinctive perspective and approach to Trump’s national and international policies, particularly in areas of foreign relations and domestic security. Whether Rubio’s foreign policy rigor, Waltz’s military insight, or Noem’s firm stance on immigration, the selections underscore Trump’s commitment to security and a hardline approach in dealing with global adversaries like China. Their combined influence would contribute significantly to the Trump administration’s stance on both domestic and international fronts.

Trump’s second term promises a familiar yet more resolute lineup, as allies and long-time supporters join his administration.