Trump Fails to Spot Rubio Seated One Foot Away at Security Summit
During a Tuesday security meeting, President Donald Trump failed to notice Secretary of State Marco Rubio sitting immediately next to him, asking aloud where the official was before Rubio signaled his presence. The 80-year-old president later joked about dropping Rubio off in Cuba via aircraft carrier, a comment that followed earlier remarks at the United Nations that prompted the Cuban delegation to walk out.
Key points
- Trump asked 'Where is Marco?' at the start of the Shield of the Americas meeting, not realizing Rubio was seated one foot away.
- Rubio responded by raising a finger, prompting Trump to acknowledge his presence and note that he is 'never very far away.'
- The president joked about using an aircraft carrier returning from Iran to drop Rubio off in the middle of Cuba.
- These remarks followed earlier comments at the UN General Assembly where Trump predicted Cuba 'will fall,' causing the Cuban delegation to leave the chamber.
- Rubio had initially paused to signal Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sit on the president's other side before taking his seat.
Background
Recent tensions between the US and Cuba have escalated, with the island nation experiencing nationwide blackouts and fuel shortages. This incident occurs amid broader diplomatic friction, including a public feud between Rubio and Brazilian President Lula, and heightened security concerns for the Trump family following threats from Iran.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the president's cognitive function and the diplomatic fallout from his unpredictable rhetoric, particularly regarding Cuba, where his comments have directly influenced international relations and provoked formal protests from foreign delegations.
What to watch
Observers will watch for further diplomatic reactions from Cuba regarding the president's comments and assess if the administration's approach to Latin American policy will face additional scrutiny following the UN General Assembly session.
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