Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Marco Rubio

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Marco Rubio.

Marco Rubio is an American politician, lawyer, and diplomat currently serving as the 72nd United States Secretary of State since 2025. As a member of the Republican Party, Rubio is also acting in various other roles including National Security Advisor, Archivist of the United States, and Administrator of USAID.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1959: Controversy Regarding Parents' Departure Date

In October 2011, The Washington Post reported that Marco Rubio's statements about his parents leaving Cuba in 1959 after Fidel Castro came to power were false; they left in 1956.

2001: Legislative Earmarks

In 2001, Marco Rubio requested legislative earmarks totaling about $145 million for 2001 and 2002, but none thereafter.

2002: Legislative Earmarks

In 2002, Marco Rubio requested legislative earmarks totaling about $145 million for 2001 and 2002, but none thereafter.

2010: Report on Spending Requests

A 2010 report by the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald said that some of Marco Rubio's spending requests dovetailed with his personal interests.

October 2011: Washington Post report

In October 2011, The Washington Post reported that Rubio's previous statements that his parents were forced to leave Cuba in 1959 (after Fidel Castro came to power) were falsehoods.

2013: Rubio's Support for Immigration Reform Led to a Decline in Tea Party Support

In 2013, Marco Rubio's support for comprehensive immigration reform legislation led to a decline in support from the Tea Party.

March 2016: Rubio Opposes Obama's Supreme Court Nominee

In March 2016, Marco Rubio opposed President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, arguing that a nominee should not be considered in the last year of a president's term.

October 7, 2016: Rubio Condemned Trump's Comments in Access Hollywood Controversy

Following the Donald Trump Access Hollywood controversy on October 7, 2016, Marco Rubio condemned Trump's vulgar comments about women as egregious and unjustifiable, though he reaffirmed his support for Trump shortly thereafter.

February 2018: Rubio Defends NRA Contributions

In February 2018, at a CNN town hall following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Marco Rubio defended accepting contributions from the National Rifle Association (NRA), attributing their influence to the millions of supporters who share their agenda.

March 2018: Rubio Defends Citizenship Question on Census

In March 2018, Marco Rubio defended the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census, despite concerns that it would lead to undercounting.

August 28, 2018: Rubio Urges Sanctions on Chinese Officials

On August 28, 2018, Marco Rubio and 16 other members of Congress requested the U.S. to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act against Chinese officials for human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang.

2020: China Sanctions Rubio

In 2020, China imposed sanctions on Marco Rubio, including a travel ban, due to his support for Hong Kong's democracy movement.

2020: Sanctioned by Chinese Government

In 2020, the Chinese government sanctioned Marco Rubio twice and banned him from entering China.

2022: Rubio Condemns Holding Olympics in China

In 2022, Marco Rubio condemned the decision to hold the Winter Olympics in China, citing its "evil, genocidal regime" and pledging to prevent future Olympic Games from being hosted there.

January 22, 2025: Rubio Instructed State Department to Freeze Passport Applications Requesting "X" Sex Markers

On January 22, 2025, in compliance with Executive Order 14168, Marco Rubio directed the State Department to freeze passport applications requesting "X" sex markers, causing confusion and holding transgender applicants' documents.

January 24, 2025: Rubio Enacted Freeze on U.S. Foreign Aid

On January 24, 2025, Marco Rubio enacted a 90-day freeze on all U.S. foreign aid, with few exceptions, as per President Trump's executive order, effective January 28. This action affected numerous USAID humanitarian, development, and security programs worldwide.

February 2025: Rubio Announced Shutdown of Counter Foreign Information and Manipulation and Interference Office

In February 2025, Marco Rubio announced that the State Department's Counter Foreign Information and Manipulation and Interference Office would be shut down, citing wasted millions of dollars and censorship.

March 7, 2025: Rubio Clashed with Elon Musk During White House Cabinet Meeting

On March 7, 2025, The New York Times reported that Marco Rubio clashed with Elon Musk during a White House cabinet meeting. Musk criticized Rubio for not firing anyone in the State Department, while Rubio was angered by Musk's dismantling of USAID.