Tensions between the U.S. and China have been rising for some time now, and Rubio's appointment has widely been seen as a sign that Trump plans to maintain a hard line on China during his second term. One of the most outspoken China hawks in Washington, Rubio has introduced several bills targeting the Chinese Communist Party.

But whereas Hegseth and Gabbard have been the subjects of withering Washington media critiques and bipartisan lawmaker suspicion, Rubio has been able to skate by as one of the “normal” Trump picks. That speaks to how twisted the old Washington consensus’ notion of normal is.