As the country’s top diplomat, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who has a special interest in Latin America, would be tasked with navigating Donald Trump’s efforts to expand U.S. influence.

Sen. Marco Rubio, Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, is widely expected to win Senate confirmation to the post.

By Patricia Zengerle, Simon Lewis and Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio promised a robust foreign policy focused on American interests at his nomination hearing on Wednesday for secretary of state under President-elect Donald Trump who takes office on Jan.

Senator Marco Rubio warned of China’s growing threat, and he backed NATO but said Europe needed to do more to help protect itself. His friendly, five-hour confirmation hearing seemed to all but guarantee he would be the next secretary of state.

The Senator is expected to be an easy confirmation, but that didn't mean there was no drama Wednesday morning.

Moody, the state's attorney general, is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ pick to replace U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, who is poised to be the next Secretary of State for President-elect Donald J. Trump. DeSantis made the announcement in a Thursday news conference in Orlando.