Rubio slams CNN report he's 'frustrated' by Witkoff's role

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday slammed a CNN report that he is "frustrated" by the role one of President Trump’s closest friends, billionaire Steve Witkoff, is playing in the administration.

"@CNN is an anti-Trump gossip tabloid that uses thinly sourced stories to generate clicks and try to make trouble. Witkoff is one of the people I work with the CLOSEST on our team. These people are pathetic," he wrote Friday in a post on the social platform X, sharing the CNN piece.

The report said Rubio "lobbied" to serve as secretary of State after he wasn't selected to serve as Trump's vice president.

"What Rubio didn’t count on was that he might run the risk of being overshadowed as secretary of state by one of Trump’s closest friends, real estate developer and billionaire Steve Witkoff," CNN reported.

Witkoff, who was relatively unknown until recently, has rapidly increased his visibility beyond his role as special envoy to the Middle East. Since returning to the White House, Trump has relied on Witkoff, a longtime friend, to implement key aspects of his foreign policy agenda, including crucial ceasefire talks in Gaza and negotiations with Russia over the Ukraine war.

“Special Envoy Witkoff has brought a wealth of private sector negotiating experience and urgency to the diplomatic stage and we’re already seeing results in just a few weeks,” White House national security adviser Mike Waltz said in a statement to The Hill last month.

“He has been an integral part of President Trump’s national security team to restore peace to the world," the statement added.

Officials added that Witkoff's role is attributed to his close personal connection with Trump and their common experience in real estate transactions, according to officials.

Witkoff’s friendship with Trump dates back decades. He testified in November 2023 as a defense witness in Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York, recounting how they first met at a New York City deli in the 1980s.

The Hill reached out to Witkoff's office for comment.

Topics

Report frustrating Theo Hernandez set for Milan exit

There are growing reports that Milan are becoming frustrated with Theo Hernandez over the latest incident, preparing to sell him this summer.The left-back and occasional captain has already caused ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Witkoff says Zelensky apologized in letter to Trump

President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky apologized to Trump in a letter after a explosive public argument during an Oval Office meeting. “Zelensky ...
The Hill - Mar. 10
Witkoff says administration is 'exploring' alternatives for Gaza relocation

Trump administration special envoy Steve Witkoff said the administration is “exploring” alternatives for relocation of the Palestinian people after President Trump said he would potentially take ...
The Hill - 5d
What to know about Steve Witkoff, a key figure in Trump's international negotiations

NBC News Chief International Correspondent Keir Simmons reports on U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s growing stature in the Trump administration as the U.S. engages in diplomatic talks around the ...
NBC News - Mar. 7
Report: New York Giants growing 'frustrated' with QB Aaron Rodgers

The New York Giants were trying to be patient with veteran QB Aaron Rodgers but are now reportedly growing "frustrated" with his indecision.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Will Rubio meet with Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia?

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Saudi Arabia to talk with Ukrainian officials about their demands for a potential peace deal with Russia. CBS News' Jennifer Jacobs reports.
CBS News - Mar. 10
Trump downplays infighting between Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, other officials

President Trump is backing a House Republican plan to avert a government shutdown next week. He also played down reports of in-fighting in his Cabinet with advisor Elon Musk. Nikole Killion has the ...
CBS News - Mar. 8
'Ball now in Russia's court' on Ukraine ceasefire, Rubio says

Rubio spoke to reporters alongside National Security adviser Mike Waltz after talks with Ukraine in Jeddah.
BBC News - Mar. 11
Rubio suggests Ukraine won't return to pre-2014 borders

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Monday that Ukraine was unlikely to win back all of the territory captured by Russia since 2014, as U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to meet for ...
The Hill - Mar. 10
Canadian reporters grill Rubio over Trump's 51st state talk

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday faced pointed questions from Canadian journalists over the seriousness of President Trump’s calls for Canada to become the 51st state and the trade war with ...
The Hill - Mar. 14
Trump insists Musk, Rubio have 'great relationship'

President Trump insisted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and close Trump adviser Elon Musk have a "great relationship" following an explosive report that the two clashed during a contentious ...
The Hill - Mar. 9
Frustrating start for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari at F1 Australian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with his new Ferrari team was pressure tested in Australia, where he finished a disappointing 10th on debut, and was frustrated by a bad strategy Sunday that cost him ...
Yahoo Sports - 6d
Frustrating start for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari at F1 Australian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with his new Ferrari team was pressure tested in Australia, where he finished a disappointing 10th on debut, and was frustrated by a bad strategy that cost him a ...
ABC News - 6d
Rubio, Brennan tangle over Trump’s tariff impacts

Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined CBS News’s Margaret Brennan on Sunday’s “Face the Nation,” where he was pressed about the implications of President Trump’s tariff plan. “Isn’t there a risk ...
The Hill - 5d
'SNL' cold open spoofs Rubio, Musk clash mediated by Trump

The recent “Saturday Night Live” cold open spoofed a reported clash between tech billionaire Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In the sketch, James Austin Johnson’s President Trump is ...
The Hill - Mar. 9
‘SNL’ pokes fun at Musk, Rubio during cold open

The latest episode of “Saturday Night Live” featured James Austin Johnson’s version of President Trump attempting to bring together Marco Rubio and Elon Musk during the cold open. The show went on ...
NBC News - Mar. 9
Garrett: Frustration with Browns 'about winning'

Myles Garrett, who recently signed a record-setting extension just weeks after publicly asking for a trade, says he and the Browns are in a "better place" and ready to "turn Cleveland into a winner."
ESPN - Mar. 14
Rubio takes Elon Musk's side in fight with Polish diplomat: 'Just making things up’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio took Elon Musk's side in an online fight with a Polish diplomat over Starlink's role in the Russia-Ukraine war. The exchanges were notable coming days after Rubio and ...
The Hill - Mar. 10
Mahmoud Khalil case 'not about free speech': Rubio

Secretary of State Marco Rubio knocked the notion that Mahmoud Khalil’s federal court case is about First Amendment rights but rather his legal standing to remain in the U.S. after he led ...
The Hill - Mar. 12
Watch: Grounded planes and frustrated passengers - the scene at the airport

The BBC's Charlotte Gallagher reports from Heathrow Airport which is going to be closed all day.
BBC News - 1d
Rubio Seeks Cease-Fire in Ukraine After Reaching His Own With Musk

After blowing up at Elon Musk, Secretary of State Marco Rubio aims to bolster his position. He is seeing Saudi and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia and allied diplomats in Canada.
The New York Times - Mar. 11
Rubio Says a Cease-Fire in Ukraine Could Happen in ‘Days’ if Russia Agrees

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said top diplomats from the Group of 7 allies meeting in Canada should focus on ending the war. And he shrugged off President Trump’s threats to annex Canada.
The New York Times - Mar. 13
Behind Rubio's trip to Saudi Arabia on Russia-Ukraine war

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Saudi Arabia for dialogue with Ukrainian officials after President Trump's shocking Oval Office meeting with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vice President JD ...
CBS News - Mar. 10
Full transcript of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 16, 2025

On this "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" broadcast, Secretary of state Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff join Margaret Brennan.
CBS News - 5d
Robert De Niro on taking dual crime boss roles in "The Alto Knights"

Robert De Niro revealed the dual role, where he portrays both Frank and Vito, required precise positioning and careful coordination.
CBS News - Mar. 10
Robert De Niro on taking dual crime boss roles in "The Alto Knights"

Robert De Niro revealed the dual role, where he portrays both Frank and Vito, required precise positioning and careful coordination.
CBS News - Mar. 10
GOP's Burchett berates CNN anchor over spending cuts coverage

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) on Tuesday attacked CNN’s coverage of the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) spending cuts and accused the network of trying to rally its viewers against ...
The Hill - Mar. 11
Patience vs. frustration – Real Madrid rising stars are on different tracks with Ancelotti

According to a report from SPORT, Real Madrid youngsters Endrick and Arda Guler find themselves in contrasting situations at the club. Both players, considered among the most promising talents of ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Journalist quits role after comparing French actions in Algeria to Nazi massacre

Jean-Michel Aphatie stands by comments he made on broadcaster RTL. A prominent French journalist has said he is stepping down from his role as an expert analyst for broadcaster RTL after provoking ...
The Guardian - Mar. 9
Kevin O'Leary: Walz's Tesla stock quip 'beyond stupid'

Investor Kevin O'Leary slammed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) over his joke about Elon Musk and Tesla stock, calling it “beyond stupid.” O’Leary, a panel contributor for CNN, weighed in on the recent ...
The Hill - 1d
'The Bondsman' star Kevin Bacon on the role he has no interest in resurrecting

In the L.A. Times studio at the 2025 SXSW Film and TV Festival, Bacon talked about 'The Bondsman,' 'Tremors' and his love for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Los Angeles Times - Mar. 7
With an expanded role on the horizon, Kam Franklin is 'getting better'

OXFORD – With four of the defensive linemen he sat behind and learned from poised to be selected in the upcoming NFL Draft, Kam Franklin knows he has big shoes to fill. But he feels like he and his ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Why Cincinnati Reds' Graham Ashcraft wants closer role and why Reds believe he can do it

"He's certainly got the demeanor. He's got the stuff," Cincinnati Reds pitching coach Derek Johnson said of Graham Ashcraft's closer qualifications.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
‘No-ego guy’ Curtis Jones, nation’s top bench scorer, content with ‘sixth starter’ role for Iowa State

Curtis Jones is the leading scorer in the nation among players who primarily come off the bench. It’s a role he’s embraced since he arrived in Ames before last season.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Rangers growing frustrated with questionable calls on Matt Rempe: ‘He’s not really doing anything’

With a ginormous target on his back, Rangers fourth liner Matt Rempe continues being called for questionable penalties in big games down the stretch.
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 14
Starmer praised for statesman role abroad but can he show 'same mojo' at home?

The PM seizes the spotlight as Trump upends the world order - but he faces serious challenges in the UK.
BBC News - Mar. 8
Trump Turns to an Untested Emissary, Steven Witkoff, to Engage Putin

Steven Witkoff, a real estate developer and friend of the president’s, lacks diplomatic experience, but the new administration might view that as a plus.
The New York Times - Mar. 14
Foden must do more than flicker to earn key World Cup role for England

Manchester City playmaker’s patchy international form is a source of frustration. Now is the time to step up. Phil Foden remains England’s enigma. The Manchester City attacker has often been ...
The Guardian - 2d
McNeese coach Will Wade admits contact with NC State, amid reports he's agreed to be Wolfpack's next coach

Wade told reporters that he was up front with his current players since they were seeing the rumors on social media anyway.
Yahoo Sports - 2d