LatAmOil: Marco Rubio’s prospective role as Trump’s Secretary of State may signal tougher US stance on Venezuela

Hard-line Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has been nominated to become Secretary of State in Donald Trump’s administration. This could bring renewed intensity to US foreign policy vis-a-vis Venezuela, El Nacional reported. 

Known for his firm stance against regimes like Nicolás Maduro’s in Venezuela, Rubio is likely to spearhead a shift toward stricter policies across Latin America if confirmed, according to sources close to Trump.

In the US, the Secretary of State is the president's chief foreign affairs adviser. Rubio would have to be confirmed by the Senate, which has a Republican majority. He is expected to pass muster. 

At 53, the Cuban-American's track record in the Senate has showcased a commitment to confronting authoritarian governments in Venezuela, Cuba, China and Iran. 

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