Marco Rubio Jokes “This Is Chaos” While Filling In for Karoline Leavitt

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stepped behind the White House briefing room podium on Tuesday, May 5, filling in for Karoline Leavitt as she begins maternity leave. During the briefing in Washington, DC, Rubio told reporters, "This is chaos, guys!" as he tried to call on the correct journalist in a crowded room. The MEAWW News account says Rubio was managing questions while also providing updates on "Project Freedom" and regional security. Rubio also served as both Secretary of State and National Security Adviser during the briefing, according to the same report.

“The American Secretary of State Marco Rubio surprised reporters with a funny joke during a press conference at the White House, after a moment of confusion in identifying who asked the question because of the colors of the clothing”

Al-Jazeera Net

The Mirror US describes Rubio struggling with reporter identification in the James S. Brady briefing room, where he repeatedly tried to sort out which journalists were dressed in the same color. In that account, Rubio joked, "I'm color blind, but I know blue and black," after pointing toward the seats and correcting himself. The Mirror US also includes a response from an off-camera reporter, "Welcome to the White House," after Rubio’s remark. Al-Jazeera Net similarly frames the moment as a confusion over clothing colors, quoting Rubio as he tried to clarify, "No, you’re not wearing black, but blue," before adding, "I’m color blind, but I can tell blue from black."

MEAWW News says Rubio defended the US position against Iran and warned about domestic impact on gas prices, asserting, "If Iran had a nuclear weapon and they decided to close the strait and make our gas prices like $9 a gallon or $8 a gallon, we wouldn’t be able to do anything about it". During the same briefing, Rubio declared the offensive war with Iran over and announced a pivot toward a "new phase" aimed at freeing ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. He clarified the rules of engagement for the transition, stating, "This is not an offensive operation. This is a defensive operation." The Mirror US adds that Rubio was expected to address national security, foreign policy, and domestic concerns while speaking in place of Karoline Leavitt during her maternity leave.

“Bewildered Rubio skewered by reporter's shock 5-word comment in White House press briefing Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed reporters on Monday when a reporter issued a snarky comment seemingly aimed at the atmosphere of the Trump White House”

The Mirror US