US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen 53-year-old Republican Senator Marco Rubio to be his administration's secretary of state, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing three sources familiar with his decision.
Reuters news agency also reported later in the evening that Rubio will be the replacement for the Biden administration's Anthony Blinken, making him the country's first Hispanic secretary of state.
The influential Cuban-born politician, vice chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, was for some time thought to be a leading candidate to become Mr. Trump's vice president, the newspaper recalled, noting that the head of state-elect could always "changed his mind at the last minute."
Trump also selected Republican Rep. Mike Walsh for the post of White House national security adviser, a source familiar with his decision told Reuters news agency, placing a retired special forces member ("green beret") of the U.S. military in the critical position. , with extremely tough positions against China.
Mr Walsh, a lawmaker staunchly loyal to the tycoon who also served in the National Guard with the rank of colonel, has criticized Chinese activities in the Asia-Pacific region and called for the US to prepare for possible war in the region.
