Rubio -- long known as a Russia and China hawk in the Senate -- has been accused of dialing back his interventionist foreign policy approach to align with Trump's positions and may face fresh criticism from opponents who believe he might prioritize serving as a yes man to president over serving the country.

Speaking as much to the history books as to the civil servants gathered at the State Department on Monday afternoon, President Joe Biden said U.S. foreign policy during his term had put the United States and its allies on a stronger footing, another effort to use his final days in office to burnish his presidential legacy.

Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be secretary of state, told a confirmation hearing Wednesday that he will adopt foreign policies that place American core interests foremost in a world of increasing dangers.