Marco Rubio is reportedly under consideration for a senior role in Donald Trump’s administration—a prospect that once seemed unimaginable when they first entered the national political scene.
In 2016, Rubio’s political career was on an upward trajectory. In his mid-40s, he had served in the Senate since 2010, and as the son of working-class Cuban immigrants, his background set him apart from his peers.
His rising profile led Mitt Romney to consider him as a potential running mate in 2012, and he was widely regarded as a frontrunner for the 2016 presidential nomination. However, his ambitions were thwarted by Trump’s unexpected rise.
During the 2016 Republican primary, Rubio became one of Trump’s strongest critics, with their rivalry often turning personal. Trump nicknamed him “Little Marco,” while Rubio made pointed remarks about Trump’s “small hands.”
Since Trump’s victory, however, Rubio has shifted from critic to supporter, aligning himself with Trump’s influence within the Republican Party.
The two publicly reconciled soon after Trump took office and even shared a stage during the recent campaign. Now, at 53, Rubio is reportedly being considered for the role of Secretary of State, one of the highest offices in the U.S. government.