President-elect Donald Trump has tapped two Florida congressmen for potential cabinet positions, which could significantly impact the state’s political landscape.Sen. Marco Rubio is a contender for secretary of state and Rep. Mike Waltz could be Trump’s national security adviser. NBC News cites several sources familiar with the process, saying Trump will nominate Rubio for the jobWhat is a Secretary of State?Secretary of State is one of the highest-ranking positions in the U.S. government, representing America in front of other countries and being fourth in the line of succession to the presidency.Rubio has substantial experience in foreign affairs as a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Senate. Rubio, who was in the running to be vice president, had made it clear that he was interested in potentially joining Trump’s Cabinet if it was for the right role, several sources familiar with the process told CNN.The senator has a close relationship with the incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles. The Florida senator, a China hawk and finalist for Trump’s VP, was a constant on the campaign trail during Trump’s third presidential run.After his failed GOP presidential primary in 2016, Rubio rebuilt his image in the likeness of a populist in Washington. At the same time, he sharpened his foreign policy credentials as the leading Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, while building relationships in his party, across the aisle and around the globe.WESH 2 reached out to Rubio’s office but have not heard back on whether he would accept the job.National Security AdviserCentral Florida congressman Waltz is a retired colonel in the National Guard and a Green Beret with combat tours in Afghanistan.He represents parts of Lake, Volusia, Flagler, and Marion counties.The nod comes despite concerns on Capitol Hill about Trump tapping members of the House, where the final tally is still uncertain and there are worries about pulling any GOP members from the chamber because that would force a new election to fill the empty seat. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter before Trump made a formal announcement. The move would put Waltz at the forefront of a litany of national security crises — ranging from the ongoing effort to provide weapons to Ukraine and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. Changes in FloridaBoth these picks would force some changes in Florida.Gov. Ron DeSantis would have to appoint a replacement for Rubio in the Senate, who would serve until the next statewide election in 2026.In Waltz’s case, the governor would need to call a special election to fill that seat in Congress. >> CNN contributed to this story
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped two Florida congressmen for potential cabinet positions, which could significantly impact the state’s political landscape.
Sen. Marco Rubio is a contender for secretary of state and Rep. Mike Waltz could be Trump’s national security adviser. NBC News cites several sources familiar with the process, saying Trump will nominate Rubio for the job
What is a Secretary of State?
Secretary of State is one of the highest-ranking positions in the U.S. government, representing America in front of other countries and being fourth in the line of succession to the presidency.
Rubio has substantial experience in foreign affairs as a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Senate.
Rubio, who was in the running to be vice president, had made it clear that he was interested in potentially joining Trump’s Cabinet if it was for the right role, several sources familiar with the process told CNN.
The senator has a close relationship with the incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles.
The Florida senator, a China hawk and finalist for Trump’s VP, was a constant on the campaign trail during Trump’s third presidential run.
After his failed GOP presidential primary in 2016, Rubio rebuilt his image in the likeness of a populist in Washington. At the same time, he sharpened his foreign policy credentials as the leading Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, while building relationships in his party, across the aisle and around the globe.
WESH 2 reached out to Rubio’s office but have not heard back on whether he would accept the job.
National Security Adviser
Central Florida congressman Waltz is a retired colonel in the National Guard and a Green Beret with combat tours in Afghanistan.
He represents parts of Lake, Volusia, Flagler, and Marion counties.
The nod comes despite concerns on Capitol Hill about Trump tapping members of the House, where the final tally is still uncertain and there are worries about pulling any GOP members from the chamber because that would force a new election to fill the empty seat. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter before Trump made a formal announcement.
The move would put Waltz at the forefront of a litany of national security crises — ranging from the ongoing effort to provide weapons to Ukraine and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah.
Changes in Florida
Both these picks would force some changes in Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis would have to appoint a replacement for Rubio in the Senate, who would serve until the next statewide election in 2026.
In Waltz’s case, the governor would need to call a special election to fill that seat in Congress.
>> CNN contributed to this story
