RASC News Agency: According to reports from “Reuters”, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Republican Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State in his upcoming administration. Known for his hardline stance against the Taliban, Rubio has previously urged the U.S. government to formally designate the Taliban as a “terrorist organization” and has been one of the Senate’s most outspoken voices on Afghanistani policy. In March, Rubio introduced a Senate bill proposing the cessation of U.S. aid to Afghanistan under Taliban rule, citing concerns that such aid could be exploited by “terrorist groups.” He also called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to classify the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan as a “state sponsor of terrorism” and to designate the Taliban as a “terrorist organization.”
Introducing the bill, Rubio asserted, “Afghanistan under Taliban rule is a direct threat to U.S. national security interests and endangers our allies and partners in the Middle East and Central Asia. The Biden administration’s mishandled military withdrawal has transformed Afghanistan into a haven for anti-American terrorists. Officially recognizing the Taliban as a terrorist organization is a critical next step.” According to “Reuters”, Rubio, a Florida native, would be the first Latino to hold the position of Secretary of State if appointed by Trump. Over recent years, he has been a staunch critic of Biden’s foreign policy and has increasingly aligned his views with Trump’s vision for U.S. global engagement.
At 53, Rubio also notably voted against a $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine approved in April. His prospective appointment as Secretary of State under Trump would signify a substantial shift in Republican foreign policy, reflecting Trump’s distinct vision and priorities.
