REUTERS/Marco Bello
Protesters invoked a nickname coined by President-elect Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign to disrupt Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) confirmation hearing for secretary of state.
During the Wednesday hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio was addressing the aftermath of the Second World War when an unexpected outburst occurred.
“And we’ve had forever wars ever since!” a protester shouted, before adding, “Little Marco, keep your hands off our country!”
The disruptive remark referenced the nickname “Little Marco,” which Trump famously used during the contentious 2016 Republican primary. Trump’s jab became a recurring line in his attacks on Rubio, who at the time was also vying for the presidency.
Several protesters were promptly removed from the hearing room by security.
The interruption momentarily diverted attention from Rubio’s testimony, which focused on his foreign policy vision as he seeks confirmation for the prominent cabinet position. This incident underscores lingering political tensions as Trump assembles his administration amid protests and scrutiny from critics of his nominees.
The hearing resumed shortly after order was restored, with Rubio continuing to articulate his stance on international relations and America’s role in global diplomacy. Despite the interruption, the moment highlighted the ongoing friction between Trump’s rhetoric and his administration’s nominees during their respective confirmation processes.
This outburst also underscores how Trump’s infamous nicknames for political rivals continue to resonate and fuel partisan divisions, even years after they were first coined.
