Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is now defending Donald Trump for the very thing he once accused him of. In the past, Rubio warned the American people about Trump’s unreliability when it came to handling the nuclear codes. However, in light of Trump’s recent indictment for mishandling classified documents from the CIA, NSA, and Defense Department, Rubio is now vehemently opposing any notion of holding Trump accountable.
During a recent appearance on Fox, Rubio argued that we cannot be certain if Trump’s actions have caused any damage by hoarding national security secrets. This is notable considering Rubio’s strong stance on holding Trump responsible, as he had previously warned about this exact misconduct.
Back in February 2016, Rubio expressed his concerns, stating, “We’re about to turn over the nuclear codes of the United States to an erratic individual, and the conservative movement to someone who has spent a career sticking it to working people… I would much prefer not to turn the party over to a con artist like Donald Trump.”
Even weeks before the 2016 election, Rubio reiterated his lack of trust in the Republican nominee, saying, “I have deep reservations about the nominee of my party” during a Florida Senate debate.
Interestingly, in July 2016, Rubio tweeted that Hillary Clinton’s mishandling of classified emails disqualified her from being Commander in Chief. It’s important to note that Clinton’s mishandling involved the use of a private email server for official communications.
In contrast, Trump’s indictment under the Espionage Act is based on the willful mishandling of national security documents. Unlike Clinton, there is evidence of Trump actively removing these documents from the White House and sharing them with unauthorized individuals.
In September 2020, during an Intelligence Committee hearing, Rubio criticized the irresponsible declassification of classified information, stating that it endangered lives and national security.
Nevertheless, Rubio continues to exhibit sanctimonious behavior when it comes to Trump. His new argument revolves around the indictment itself, rather than the actual crime, arguing that the indictment is putting our country in a dangerously precarious position.
The DOJ is seeking to jail FOR LIFE not just a former President but the leading opponent of the current President in the 2024 election
The damage this is already inflicting on our country far outweighs the damage (if any) from what they allege in the indictment
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 13, 2023
Naturally, Twitter users had to respond:
So your entire defense is, if you announce you're running for the office of president you can't be guilty of any crime you commit? Hell of a stance. Where's the law and order.
— HisRoyalFlyness (@FlyIngenuity) June 13, 2023
I don’t feel damaged. I feel vindicated and happy that American citizens are seeing that no one is above the law.
— CCRF, Inc (@CCRFInc) June 13, 2023
Dude. Stop. Just stop.
— Michael Leppert (@MichaelLeppert) June 13, 2023
So… you really think that ignoring criminal conduct from our elected leaders is good for the country?
Stick to Bible quotes.
Your takes are terrible.
— John Collins (@Logically_JC) June 13, 2023
Little Marco
— Mercado Media (@MMPLLCNews) June 13, 2023
Have you no shame? Oh, wait…I forgot it's you. pic.twitter.com/oZNAIN29kG
— 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐢 (@ChidiNwatu) June 13, 2023
Nonsense. “Equal justice under law” applies to a President as well as a common citizen. The crimes the former President is charged with are grave. The country can handle a trial. It can’t handle negligent handling of classified intelligence & military operational information.
— Cedric Leighton (@CedricLeighton) June 13, 2023
News for you Marco… Trump already damaged this country and divided it , not only the country, but your party as well. And you're only adding to it by assisting with him.
— TMajestic 🦋 (@soapmaker10) June 13, 2023