President Donald Trump appeared to publicly embarrass Secretary of State Marco Rubio throughout a White Home press convention after studying a non-public handwritten notice from him aloud on stay tv, RadarOnline.com can report.
The incident occurred on Friday, January 9, throughout a gathering with oil and gasoline executives on the White Home. Trump, 79, was seated between Vice President JD Vance and Rubio, 54, when the change unfolded.
After Trump referred to as on ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance to talk, Rubio was seen discreetly passing a notice to the president whereas Vance, 41, regarded on with seen confusion. Trump instantly drew consideration to the change.
“Marco simply gave me a notice,” Trump instructed the room earlier than studying the message aloud. “Return to Chevron,” Trump stated, persevering with, “They wish to talk about one thing. Return to Chevron.”
As Trump learn the notice, Vance laughed whereas Rubio smiled awkwardly. Trump then added, “Go forward, I am going again to Chevron,” as he positioned the notice on the desk and patted Rubio on the again. “Thanks, Marco.”
Moments later, a voice off digital camera requested, “Was there a query, Mr. President?” Trump picked up the paper once more and responded, “Sure, go forward,” earlier than turning again to Rubio and asking, “Marco, what was the, what are you saying right here?”
Vitality Secretary Chris Wright quickly stepped in, calling on Mark Nelson of Chevron to offer updates from the corporate. As Nelson spoke, Rubio retrieved the notice, folded it, and tucked it away.
The second shortly circulated on-line, with observers noting Rubio’s seen discomfort as Trump learn the non-public message in entrance of the assembled executives and press
Trump continued the assembly for one more 10 minutes earlier than concluding: “Though I am very nicely represented by our secretary of state. He might most likely do a fair higher job than me, however who is aware of.”
The change echoed an identical second from the autumn, when Rubio handed one other notice to Trump throughout an October 8, 2025, assembly with conservative influencers and reporters. That notice, captured by photographers, instructed Trump to approve a social media publish relating to a tentative peace settlement between Israel and Hamas.
“You might want to approve a Reality Social publish quickly so you’ll be able to announce deal first,” the notice learn.
Trump acknowledged the message on the time, telling attendees, “I used to be simply given a notice by the secretary of state saying that we’re very near a deal on the Center East, and so they’re gonna want me fairly shortly.”
“I used to be simply given a notice by the secretary of state saying that we’re very near a deal on the Center East, and so they’re gonna want me fairly shortly,” Trump repeated, including, “So we’ll take a few extra questions.”