Trump eyes Rubio and Grenell for Secretary of State, both allies of Morocco

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With Donald Trump securing a victory in the 2024 election, all eyes are on two potential Secretary of State candidates: Marco Rubio and Richard Grenell.

Both candidates have been strong allies of Morocco, with Grenell helping secure U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara. Rubio, meanwhile, has backed Morocco’s interests by calling for sanctions on Algeria for buying Russian weapons.

In 2020, Grenell was instrumental in negotiating the deal that not only recognized Morocco’s claim over its Sahara but also helped normalize relations between Morocco and Israel. 

This agreement was part of Trump’s broader push for peace in the Middle East, known as the Abraham Accords, which saw several Arab nations establish ties with Israel.

Grenell’s diplomatic experience makes him a strong contender for the top State Department job. 

Sources say Trump is leaning toward picking individuals with business and diplomatic backgrounds for his national security team rather than military figures, and Grenell fits that vision perfectly.

Grenell served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany, where he worked on strengthening relations with Europe and pushing for more defense spending from NATO countries. 

Known for his direct, business-focused approach to diplomacy, Grenell has built strong relationships with key nations, shaping U.S. foreign policy in important ways.

Marco Rubio, a U.S. Senator from Florida and former 2016 Republican presidential candidate, is also being considered as a potential Secretary of State. 

Seen as a friend of Morocco, Rubio’s policies closely align with those of Donald Trump, making him a strong contender for the role. 

Like fellow contender Bill Hagerty, Rubio was also considered for Trump’s 2024 running mate. Throughout his time in the Senate, Rubio has played a key role in foreign affairs, particularly in Latin America, and has built strong connections within the Republican Party.

Marco Rubio, a strong supporter of Morocco, is praised for his 2022 push to impose sanctions on Algeria after the country bought Russian weapons, violating the “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.” 

In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Rubio urged the U.S. to “properly designate those responsible for significant purchases of Russian weapons that support Russia’s destabilizing actions.”

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