MAGA backlash ensues following Rubio announcement
Certain staunch supporters of Trump are maintaining optimism for Ric Grenell to assume the leading foreign policy position.
TroibNews 
After it was reported that Donald Trump might appoint Sen. Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, many fervent supporters of the MAGA movement quickly began questioning both Rubio's commitment to America First principles and the extent to which the decision had been finalized by Trump.
Despite reports from prominent news outlets claiming that a decision had indeed been reached, associates of Ric Grenell insisted on Tuesday that Rubio’s appointment was not yet a certainty, according to two individuals advocating for Grenell’s selection.
“We are still waiting on the decision from President Trump and the campaign leadership on what their official decision is,” one Grenell ally stated on Tuesday morning, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the issue openly. “What we have been hearing is that no decision has been made.”
Trump's representatives have not confirmed Rubio’s selection and did not respond to inquiries for comment.
The individual indicated that Grenell’s team was “operating under that context” — meaning they believed Trump had not completely settled on Rubio — until they received official communication to the contrary.
Later in the morning, Grenell himself reacted to a post addressing the uncertainty of the decision and the ongoing efforts of his allies, asserting, “BS. Stop grifting. Not true.” This response suggested that Grenell has recognized the decision purportedly made by Trump. He did not provide further comments when approached.
Grenell, who previously served as Trump's director of national intelligence, ambassador to Germany, and special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, is seen as a controversial figure within Trump’s inner circle. He has cultivated close relationships with Trump's family, including Melania Trump and Jared Kushner.
Notably, Grenell hosted fundraisers for Log Cabin Republicans that featured Melania Trump, who received significant compensation to participate in these events. He has also been part of Kushner’s initiatives to develop a luxury hotel in the Balkans.
Some Trump associates were displeased that Grenell was perceived as actively pushing for the secretary of state position, a move considered inappropriate in Trump's world. It was observed that Grenell sat next to Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York last September.
Behind the scenes, critics of Grenell have reminded key transition team members of his difficult personality, which has aggravated some of Trump's close allies, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Despite these criticisms, several prominent MAGA figures regard Grenell as a loyal supporter advocating for Trump's America First policies. Even with nearly every major news outlet reporting on Trump’s plans to nominate Rubio, they still held out hope for Grenell’s installation. The New York Times was the first to report on the former president’s selection for the State Department.
Later that evening, influential Republican activist Charlie Kirk issued a subtle warning to his four million followers about trusting the cabinet reporting. “Folks, word of wisdom. If Trump hasn’t confirmed it on Truth [Social], don’t jump to conclusions and don’t believe everything you see,” Kirk advised.
Elon Musk, a key ally of Trump who had been seen with Kirk over the weekend, responded with a humorous meme referencing “Office Space,” commenting on premature conclusions.
“Apparently there hasn’t been a SOS pick yet FYSA [for your situational awareness],” posted Rep. Anna Paulina Luna late Monday, after the news of Rubio’s potential selection emerged.
The Hill noted on Monday that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been consulted by Trump regarding his forthcoming administration, had expressed concerns about Rubio taking on a significant foreign policy role, given that some staunch Trump supporters consider Rubio to be overly hawkish.
Rubio’s prospective appointment seems to be a blow to Grenell, especially since two other high-profile foreign policy positions were appointed on the same day: Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser and Rep. Elise Stefanik for ambassador to the United Nations.
Criticism of Rubio from MAGA influencers persisted into Tuesday morning, as Trump had yet to make a public announcement regarding his selection.
“Why are people inside Mar-a-Lago leaking Trump’s possible cabinet picks to the media?” questioned Trump supporter Laura Loomer on X Tuesday. “Not a good sign that things are being leaked already. People should be respecting President Trump’s privacy and the privacy of the transition team.”
Conservative comedian Dave Smith remarked on Rubio’s candidacy, stating it was “a disaster.” He added, “Might as well give Liz Cheney the State Department,” calling it an "awful sign."
Another far-right influencer quipped, “Rubio? Was Hillary unavailable?”
Additionally, several MAGA supporters circulated past Trump tweets about Rubio from the 2016 primary, where Trump labeled Rubio a “perfect little puppet” for the late donor Sheldon Adelson, as well as a “total lightweight” and “overrated politician.”
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
Despite reports from prominent news outlets claiming that a decision had indeed been reached, associates of Ric Grenell insisted on Tuesday that Rubio’s appointment was not yet a certainty, according to two individuals advocating for Grenell’s selection.
“We are still waiting on the decision from President Trump and the campaign leadership on what their official decision is,” one Grenell ally stated on Tuesday morning, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the issue openly. “What we have been hearing is that no decision has been made.”
Trump's representatives have not confirmed Rubio’s selection and did not respond to inquiries for comment.
The individual indicated that Grenell’s team was “operating under that context” — meaning they believed Trump had not completely settled on Rubio — until they received official communication to the contrary.
Later in the morning, Grenell himself reacted to a post addressing the uncertainty of the decision and the ongoing efforts of his allies, asserting, “BS. Stop grifting. Not true.” This response suggested that Grenell has recognized the decision purportedly made by Trump. He did not provide further comments when approached.
Grenell, who previously served as Trump's director of national intelligence, ambassador to Germany, and special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, is seen as a controversial figure within Trump’s inner circle. He has cultivated close relationships with Trump's family, including Melania Trump and Jared Kushner.
Notably, Grenell hosted fundraisers for Log Cabin Republicans that featured Melania Trump, who received significant compensation to participate in these events. He has also been part of Kushner’s initiatives to develop a luxury hotel in the Balkans.
Some Trump associates were displeased that Grenell was perceived as actively pushing for the secretary of state position, a move considered inappropriate in Trump's world. It was observed that Grenell sat next to Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York last September.
Behind the scenes, critics of Grenell have reminded key transition team members of his difficult personality, which has aggravated some of Trump's close allies, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Despite these criticisms, several prominent MAGA figures regard Grenell as a loyal supporter advocating for Trump's America First policies. Even with nearly every major news outlet reporting on Trump’s plans to nominate Rubio, they still held out hope for Grenell’s installation. The New York Times was the first to report on the former president’s selection for the State Department.
Later that evening, influential Republican activist Charlie Kirk issued a subtle warning to his four million followers about trusting the cabinet reporting. “Folks, word of wisdom. If Trump hasn’t confirmed it on Truth [Social], don’t jump to conclusions and don’t believe everything you see,” Kirk advised.
Elon Musk, a key ally of Trump who had been seen with Kirk over the weekend, responded with a humorous meme referencing “Office Space,” commenting on premature conclusions.
“Apparently there hasn’t been a SOS pick yet FYSA [for your situational awareness],” posted Rep. Anna Paulina Luna late Monday, after the news of Rubio’s potential selection emerged.
The Hill noted on Monday that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been consulted by Trump regarding his forthcoming administration, had expressed concerns about Rubio taking on a significant foreign policy role, given that some staunch Trump supporters consider Rubio to be overly hawkish.
Rubio’s prospective appointment seems to be a blow to Grenell, especially since two other high-profile foreign policy positions were appointed on the same day: Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser and Rep. Elise Stefanik for ambassador to the United Nations.
Criticism of Rubio from MAGA influencers persisted into Tuesday morning, as Trump had yet to make a public announcement regarding his selection.
“Why are people inside Mar-a-Lago leaking Trump’s possible cabinet picks to the media?” questioned Trump supporter Laura Loomer on X Tuesday. “Not a good sign that things are being leaked already. People should be respecting President Trump’s privacy and the privacy of the transition team.”
Conservative comedian Dave Smith remarked on Rubio’s candidacy, stating it was “a disaster.” He added, “Might as well give Liz Cheney the State Department,” calling it an "awful sign."
Another far-right influencer quipped, “Rubio? Was Hillary unavailable?”
Additionally, several MAGA supporters circulated past Trump tweets about Rubio from the 2016 primary, where Trump labeled Rubio a “perfect little puppet” for the late donor Sheldon Adelson, as well as a “total lightweight” and “overrated politician.”
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
