'Sycophant’s gotta sycophant': Marco Rubio slammed for downplaying Donald Trump's claim of seeking retribution from political enemies

Senator Marco Rubio claimed on CNN that if re-elected, Donald Trump would not seek revenge on his political enemies
Marco Rubio, a prominent contender for Trump's vice-presidential pick, supported his claims by referencing Trump’s previous term (Getty Images)
Marco Rubio, a prominent contender for Trump's vice-presidential pick, supported his claims by referencing Trump’s previous term (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Marco Rubio made headlines on Sunday, July 7, by asserting that Donald Trump, if re-elected, would not seek retribution against his political adversaries.

Speaking on CNN's 'State of the Union',  Rubio attempted to downplay Trump's prior statements about retaliating against perceived enemies.

"Donald Trump has been the one that’s been very clear: that his vengeance will be by winning and making America great again. Not going after his political opponents," Rubio stated during his appearance, as per The Daily Beast.



 

Marco Rubio downplays Donald Trump's prior statements about retaliating against enemies

Rubio, a prominent contender for Trump's vice-presidential pick, supported his claims by referencing Trump’s previous term.

"He was president before and he didn’t do it then. He’s already said that he wouldn’t do that. He’ll be too busy undoing all the damage of this disastrous presidency," Rubio emphasized.

During the CNN interview, Rubio cast Trump as a victim of a Democratic-led political vendetta. According to Rubio, the US justice system has been weaponized against Trump to silence him.

Since leaving the White House in 2021, Trump has been embroiled in numerous legal battles, including 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and federal charges concerning his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandling classified documents.

(Getty Images)
Since leaving the White House in 2021, Donald Trump has been embroiled in numerous legal battles (Getty Images)

Despite these issues, Trump has made statements suggesting he would seek revenge if re-elected. In a Fox News interview, Trump said he "would have every right to go after" rivals like President Joe Biden.

Additionally, in a June interview with Dr Phil, Trump remarked, "Sometimes revenge can be justified."

Rubio’s comments came shortly after a US Supreme Court decision that grants presidents broad immunity from prosecution for official actions taken while in office—a decision seen as favorable for Trump

Rubio also echoed Trump’s hardline stance on undocumented immigrants on CNN, stating, "Ten million people are in our country illegally. They’re murdering people every day."

This statement highlights the extent to which Trump has influenced Republican rhetoric on immigration, an issue Rubio once approached with a more reformative mindset.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 3: Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) leaves the Senate floor during a recess in t
Marco Rubio downplays Donald Trump's prior statements about retaliating against enemies (Getty Images)

Marco Rubio's defense of Donald Trump sparks backlash online

The public reaction to Rubio’s defense of Trump was swift and critical as social media users did not hold back in their disapproval.

One user on X commented, "Sycophant’s gotta sycophant," while another remarked, "flip-flopper Rubio telling the truth about anything that does not benefit him is a JOKE."



 



 

"Rubio is a spineless sycophant who still thinks he’s on Trump’s VP shortlist," said one user. Another added, "Desperation drips from his face." One user noted, "He’s either an idiot or a liar. History suggests both, though." Another declared, "Marco Rubio is not a serious person. He’s as big a liar as Trump but just not as visible."



 



 



 



 

The backlash continued with a user stating, "As usual, Marco Rubio doesn't know what he is talking about," and another bluntly saying, "Rubio lives in his own little bubble."



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The third appeal comes as states begin mailing ballots, and election officials warn they may not have enough time to meet the new requirements
5 hours ago
Victor Davis Hanson’s book examines Donald Trump’s political comeback and the forces behind the MAGA movement’s rise to power
6 hours ago
Trump also recalled going to Ground Zero the following day and watching crews clear the massive debris left by the collapse of the towers
7 hours ago
President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image of himself at the Resolute Desk with four screens displaying stock trades
8 hours ago
The man, identified as Patrick Havas, was found with two handguns and was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and two counts of assault
8 hours ago
Donald Trump’s proposal drew a firm response from Michelle Lujan Grisham, who highlighted New Mexico’s history and defended its existing identity
9 hours ago
President Trump defended his financial record in a Truth Social post with a sweeping claim about his wealth
12 hours ago
Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin in Russia and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv this weekend
13 hours ago
President Trump's latest Truth Social post put a new twist on his recent push to rename geographic locations
13 hours ago
House Republicans planned to use their Dallas midterm convention to tout achievements and contrast their record with Democrats
14 hours ago