Tom Cotton likely to succeed Marco Rubio in top Intelligence Committee post

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton is poised to take on a new leadership role in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. This comes after President-elect Donald Trump is expected to appoint current Vice Chairman Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as the new secretary of state in his administration.

Sen. Cotton, a Republican known for his strong stance against China and Iran, is next in line to lead the committee after Rubio. A source familiar with the situation confirmed this to Fox News Digital. However, the final decision on committee leadership will ultimately rest with the Republican leader.

Rubio is anticipated to be tapped by Trump for the role of secretary of state, according to sources. While this decision is not yet set in stone and could potentially change, it is likely that Rubio will transition to this high-profile position. The current chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., who is expected to become the vice chair in the new Congress when Republicans take the majority.

Last week, Sen. Cotton withdrew his name from consideration for a cabinet position in the upcoming Trump administration. Despite being viewed as a frontrunner for a top cabinet role, Cotton informed the transition team and his colleagues that he no longer wished to be considered. This decision was met with understanding from Trump, who recognizes Cotton’s loyalty and support in the Senate.

In addition to his potential new role in the Intelligence Committee, Sen. Cotton is also running for the No. 3 Republican leadership position. He is confident in his ability to secure this position, further solidifying his influence within the party. Trump’s allies are supportive of Cotton in this endeavor, as they believe he will be a valuable asset in advancing their agenda.

Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, is closely following developments in the U.S. Senate. She was previously a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner. You can stay updated on Julia’s reporting by following her on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and sending tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.

Overall, Sen. Tom Cotton’s expected promotion to chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence marks a significant shift in leadership within the Senate. His strong stance on national security issues and close ties to President-elect Trump position him as a key player in shaping the future direction of U.S. foreign policy.