Reports of Trump Picking Rubio as Secretary of State Sparks ‘MAGA Backlash’
Donald Trump held a campaign rally at the Lancaster Airport located in Lititz, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
News that President-elect Donald Trump may select Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) as Secretary of State has ignited a swift backlash among Trump’s “MAGA-minded” allies, who are already casting doubts on the potential nomination. According to a report from Politico, supporters of Trump’s former Director of National Intelligence, Ric Grenell, are voicing strong opposition and raising concerns about the leak of Rubio’s name as a contender for the State Department role.
The initial report quickly spread, prompting far-right activist Laura Loomer to question the information’s source. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Loomer expressed frustration, writing, “Why are people inside Mar-a-Lago leaking Trump’s possible cabinet picks to the media? Not a good sign that things are being leaked already.” Her comments reflect a broader worry among Trump’s base that internal leaks could compromise his Cabinet decisions before they’re officially announced.
Conservative comedian Dave Smith also voiced his disapproval, calling the potential selection of Rubio a “disaster” and comparing it to appointing a staunch Trump critic. “Might as well give Liz Cheney the State Department,” Smith wrote. “Awful sign.” His reaction captures the sentiment of some in Trump’s inner circle who see Rubio as insufficiently aligned with Trump’s “America First” agenda.
Trump’s team has not confirmed or commented on Rubio’s reported selection, leaving supporters of other candidates—especially Ric Grenell—hopeful that no final decision has been made. One Grenell ally, speaking with Politico, indicated that Trump and his campaign leaders have yet to finalize their choice for Secretary of State. “We are still waiting on the decision from President Trump and the campaign leadership on what their official decision is,” the ally shared.
“What we have been hearing is that no decision has been made.” The skepticism didn’t end with Loomer and Smith. Conservative figures continued to question the legitimacy of the report. Republican activist Charlie Kirk, who has a significant following, advised his audience to be cautious about any Cabinet-related leaks that don’t come directly from Trump. In a post to his followers, Kirk wrote, “Folks, word of wisdom. If Trump hasn’t confirmed it on Truth [Social], don’t jump to conclusions and don’t believe everything you see.”
Kirk’s comments highlight an ongoing distrust among Trump’s supporters toward media reports about Cabinet picks that lack confirmation from Trump himself. Adding to the skepticism, Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) also cast doubt on the reports. Addressing her followers after the Rubio news broke, Luna wrote on X, “Apparently there hasn’t been a SOS pick yet.” Luna’s remarks align with a broader hesitation among Trump loyalists to accept Rubio as the likely candidate for Secretary of State without a formal announcement from Trump.
The swirling doubts and speculation underscore the delicate nature of Trump’s Cabinet selection process as he prepares for his potential return to the White House. For many in Trump’s base, Rubio represents a more traditional and establishment figure, contrasting with the harder-line conservatives who many of Trump’s supporters believe are better suited to his administration. Grenell, with his record as a strong Trump ally and vocal conservative, remains the favored choice for many of those who prioritize ideological loyalty over experience in Washington.
As Trump’s inner circle and allies continue to await official confirmation, the controversy around Rubio’s potential selection serves as a reminder of the ideological divides within Trump’s own camp. For Trump, balancing loyalty from his “MAGA” base with broader government experience in his Cabinet choices could prove to be one of the earliest challenges of his second administration.
