President-elect Donald Trump is moving quickly to fill his cabinet positions, leaving Senator Marco Rubio, his nominee for Secretary of State, to navigate a challenging dynamic. Despite being the top contender for the role, Rubio has largely taken a backseat as Trump appointees take active roles in their respective regions.
The president-elect’s special envoys have been drawing attention with high-profile meetings and public appearances. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was summoned by Trump to discuss an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, while Keith Kellogg, appointed to handle Ukraine and Russia relations, has made frequent television appearances and pledged a visit to both countries.
With the inauguration just weeks away, Rubio’s ability to assert his authority as Secretary of State-designate is being put to the test. The crowded cabinet landscape may pose significant challenges for the senator, who will need to navigate these competing interests while also representing US foreign policy interests globally.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-13/marco-rubio-nomination-overshadowed-by-trump-s-special-envoy-picks