Rubio, who ran against Trump for GOP presidential candidacy in 2016, was a finalist to be Trump's running mate this time around, signaling his stature within Trump's inner circle.
In a CNN appearance on Wednesday, Rubio addressed Trump's proposed immigration policies, particularly concerning mass deportations. While allegedly avoiding definitive statements, Rubio hinted at Trump's potential priority, stating, "I can guarantee their number-one priority is going to be first and foremost people who are here illegally and unlawfully, and have committed or are committing serious crimes, or are a threat to the country."
Asked whether he too might be "interested in a role in the next Trump administration," Rubio hedged. "Look, I always am always interested in serving this country — I'm doing it now in the United States Senate," he said. "That's where I plan to be next week and beyond that — I'm not trying to play coy...," he added, playing coy.
The speculation surrounding Rubio comes amid a broader discussion about Florida's outsize presence in discussions about Trump's hypothetical cabinet.
So much so that Politico's Florida politics reporter Kimberly Leonard quipped on X (formerly Twitter), "Florida looks like a Trump administration staffing agency."
As Trump's team considers Florida-based officials for federal appointments, heavyweights, including Miami Commissioner Kevin Cabrera and Hialeah Mayor Esteban "Steve" Bovo, have gained traction. Bovo, a staunch Trump supporter, advocates for appointees who "buy into [Trump's] agenda and will help him fulfill his agenda."Florida looks like a Trump administration staffing agency https://t.co/6hvY4HODdh via @politico
— Kimberly Leonard (@leonardkl) November 8, 2024
Beyond the State Department, Florida names are also being batted around for roles overseeing education and health — where Trump's agenda closely aligns with policies championed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
According to Politico, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. expressed interest in serving under Trump, suggesting that the U.S. Department of Education could be "dismantled or definitely reduced greatly in size and scope." Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's name has been floated as a candidate for secretary of health and human services, a position overseeing a broad range of critical health-policy areas.
With a crowded roster of Floridians said to be under consideration, including GOP Reps. Mike Waltz, Matt Gaetz, and Byron Donalds, Trump's cabinet may indeed wind up resembling a Sunshine State staffing pool. As the once and future president looks to reinforce his policy goals with trusted allies, the state's sway on the national political landscape only stands to swell.
