Trump has yet to announce via a statement that Rubio is his selection for the top, in contrast to other figures such as Susie Wiles, incoming chief of staff, and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), incoming U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

That lack of public support from Trump has led Grenell’s allies to believe they still have some chance to change the president-elect’s mind.

However, some Republican operatives close to the campaign said Rubio’s selection is likely secured despite the pressure for another pick.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW THAT TRUMP IS PRESIDENT-ELECT

“Trump likes Rubio,” as does Wiles, said a Republican strategist close to the Trump campaign who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive transition matters.

The decision of Rubio to join Trump’s Cabinet as secretary of state was first leaked via media outlets such as the New York Times late Monday night. However, Trump has neither confirmed nor denied the reports on Truth Social or through campaign correspondence more than 18 hours after it became known. Over the past week, he has normally weighed in on rumors of administration nominations quickly, again lending some credence that Rubio could be in jeopardy.

“Susie obviously is highly in favor of (Rubio) being a Florida operative,” the strategist continued, as are the Florida senator’s allies. “They’re trying to keep him to stick to his gut pretty much and not waver towards any other influences.”

Another GOP strategist with ties to the Trump campaign also told the Washington Examiner that Rubio is likely a done deal, but another said opposition to Rubio likely stems from his status as a neocon.

However, “Peter Thiel is personally pushing for Grenell,” the first strategist said.

Former Texas GOP congressman Ron Paul, the father of Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), said Rubio was not “on our favorite list” in a post to X in which he questioned Trump’s possible decision.

“I don’t think it would be good for the country,” he said.

Grenell, however, appeared to concede that Trump has selected Rubio. After Curt Mills, the executive director of American Conservative, posted on X that “the Rubio selection is not done,” Grenell replied Tuesday, “Not true.”

Grenell has been a trusted confidante to Trump and served as his U.S. ambassador to Germany. His MAGA credentials fulfill a Trump mandate that his appointees prove their loyalty.

Rubio has also repaired his relationship with Trump after he unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016. Despite some opposition from the most die-hard MAGA fans, Rubio has received support from fellow Republican lawmakers and at least one prominent Democrat.

“With a deep knowledge of foreign policy and intelligence matters, and a background that exemplifies the American dream, my colleague @SenMarcoRubio will be a great Secretary of State,” wrote Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who is seeking to succeed retiring Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), a left-leaning lawmaker, pushed back against Rubio’s criticisms and appeared to support his bid in an X post.

“Unsurprisingly, the other team’s pick will have political differences than my own,” he wrote. “That being said, my colleague @SenMarcoRubio is a strong choice and I look forward to voting for his confirmation.”

However, some Republicans said any ire over choosing Rubio over Grenell is mostly related to nonpolitical matters.

“The reality of this transition is there are a lot of grifters and access-sellers who are afraid they will lose money on a Rubio in Foggy Bottom,” said a third GOP strategist. “The Schlapps and CPAC were using Grenell’s status as a contender for State to rake in money at their Investors Summit this weekend.”

WHAT TRUMP HAS PROMISED TO DO ON DAY 1 IN THE OVAL OFFICE

The Conservative Political Action Conference, of which Grenell is a board member, is holding its Investor Summit at Mar-a-Lago Nov. 14-16. The Washington Examiner reached out to CPAC for comment, although the summit was likely planned long before Grenell could have lobbied for a Cabinet position.

“The reality of it is, I think Susie Wiles and Marco Rubio allies kind of beat Grinnell to the punch here, so he lost out,” said the first strategist.

Grenell was also considered to be Trump’s National Security adviser, but Trump announced that the position would go to Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL).

The Washington Examiner reached out to the Trump campaign and Rubio’s office for comment.