Public office can be a draining job, and it rarely comes with much appreciation. Some voters oppose you because of your party; others may feel you haven’t done enough for them.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has had a busy stretch, including a trip to Greece last month and an appearance at the G7 summit in Paris. His travel has also drawn criticism from The Washington Post, which reported on his use of military aircraft to attend a Florida Gators football game and watch his son play.
Rubio’s son Anthony joined the team in 2023 as a preferred walk-on running back. He has played in several games and scored a touchdown in the Gators’ Gasparilla Bowl appearance in December 2024.
A Rubio aide responded that government protocols require the secretary to use military aircraft. The aide also said Rubio would continue attending family events when his schedule allows, including his son’s games during his final year of college football.
That seems like a fair response. Many parents would want to be there to see their child play, especially for a moment like a touchdown. And Rubio’s demanding schedule makes those chances harder to come by.
If he can make it to Gainesville on a Saturday to watch his son play, I don’t see much reason for the fuss. The government’s position, the aide said, is that Rubio’s travel followed the applicable protocols.
