Trump's Foreign Policy Hacking Duo Named: Rubio and Walz

In the wake of US President-elect Donald Trump's victory, two prominent figures are emerging as contenders for key roles in his administration: Marco Rubio, a senator from Florida, and Michael Walz, a Republican congressman and former special forces soldier.

Rubio is widely seen as Trump's top choice for Secretary of State, a role that would mark a significant shift in US foreign policy. As national security adviser, he would take a hardline stance on China, viewed by Rubio as the biggest threat to the US. His views on Iran are also set to be more hawkish than those of outgoing Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

Walz, meanwhile, is being touted as Trump's pick for National Security Adviser. A decorated Green Beret with multiple tours in Afghanistan, Walz has made it clear that he sees China and Russia as the main security threats facing the US. He advocates for a more cautious approach to Ukraine, with Washington using economic leverage to negotiate with Moscow instead of providing arms.

Rubio's views on Ukraine are also centered around reaching a negotiated settlement rather than an open-ended commitment to provide weapons and financial backing to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Interestingly, Walz's own writing on the subject suggests that he supports US economic pressure as a means to coax Vladimir Putin into negotiations. The co-authored Economist piece argues that leveraging Washington's economic clout by easing sanctions or increasing military support could give President Trump leverage over Moscow.

If confirmed, Rubio would echo Trump's frustrations with European NATO allies relying heavily on US resources for their security, positioning him as a proponent of reducing US involvement in European security arrangements.

Meanwhile, Walz has stated that he sees Ukraine as an independent state closely tied to the West, and will therefore be willing to pressure Putin to accept such terms. Should Rubio become Secretary of State, it can be expected that his policies on Iran would take a harder line than Blinken's.