Rubio Blasts CNN for Prematurely Reporting His “Frustration” Over Witkoff’s Involvement

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized a CNN report that he is “irritated” by billionaire Steve Witkoff’s role, one of President Trump’s closest friends.

“@CNN is an anti-Trump gossip tabloid that uses thin stories to create clicks to cause trouble. Witkov is one of the people who work closely with our team. These people are pathetic.”

Furthermore, the report said Rubio “lobbied” to be Secretary of State, but was not elected Trump’s vice president.

Rubio did not expect that he might be overshadowed as Secretary of State by one of Trump’s closest friends, real estate developers and billionaire Steve Witkoff.

Witkoff, a relatively unknown until recently, has rapidly expanded his influence, beyond his role as Middle East envoy. Trump has relied on his longtime friend Witkoff to implement key aspects of his foreign policy agenda, including ceasefire talks in Gaza and negotiations with Russia on the Ukrainian conflict.

The special envoy Witkoff has brought his rich private sector negotiation experience and urgency to the diplomatic stage, but we have already seen the results in a few weeks, said White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

Witkoff is an integral part of President Trump’s national security team and has restored peace to the world, according to a statement.

His role stems from his close personal connection with Trump and their shared experience in real estate transactions.

Witkoff’s friendship with Trump dates back decades, and he testified about how they first met at a New York City deli in the 1980s.

The hill reached Witkov’s office for comments.