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The transition to President Donald Trump's second administration will have far-reaching implications at the national, state and local levels. "Changing of the Guard" highlights news from WFAE, NPR and partner news sites to help you understand the changes in the new Trump administration — and how it will affect your community.

From Trump opponent to Trump loyalist: The evolution of Marco Rubio

President-elect Donald Trump with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) earlier this month. Rubio is Trump's pick for Secretary of State.
Chip Somodevilla
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President-elect Donald Trump with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) earlier this month. Rubio is Trump's pick for Secretary of State.

When compared to some of president-elect Trump's other cabinet picks, Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State is a pretty conventional choice.

He's a veteran politician who served on the foreign relations and intelligence committees for over a decade, and he's been a loyal Trump backer throughout this year's campaign.

But when you look back at Marco Rubio during his 2016 presidential campaign, there's a striking contrast.

When he ran against Trump in 2016, Rubio called him a con artist, and described his style of leadership as dangerous. Now, he's going to work for him.

Marco Rubio's political evolution is indicative of how the Republican Party has remade itself around Donald Trump, and it gives some clues about how he may operate as the nation's top diplomat.

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