Rubio Joins Trump in Texas to View Venezuelan Oil Amid Ken Paxton Senate Push
The visit coincides with the president's midterm campaign stops in Corpus Christi and Lubbock, drawing attention to the secretary's role in political travel.
By David Almasi ·
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will board a newly arrived oil tanker in Port Arthur, Texas, on Tuesday to inspect a shipment of Venezuelan crude. The cargo is scheduled for processing at local refineries.
The trip overlaps with Trump's midterm campaign schedule in the state. He has rallies planned in Corpus Christi and Lubbock to support U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton. Paxton is currently trailing Democratic challenger James Talarico in a close race.
Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, may join the campaign events. This marks the first time he has traveled with Trump on a presidential tour. Two U.S. officials and a congressional aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the itinerary before it was publicly released.
The visit places the nation's top diplomat on the campaign trail, a move that blurs the line between governing and political strategy. Attorney General Todd Blanche has already appeared at rallies alongside Republican candidates. This pattern continues a trend in the second Trump administration where cabinet members support congressional nominees.
Rubio previously sought the presidential nomination in 2016 and is viewed as a leading contender for 2028. He has not confirmed a future run, but his public political activities have increased since taking the secretary of state role.
