Rubio brushes off protesters who erupted in Senate hearing: ‘I get bilingual protesters’

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio faced disruptions during his Senate hearing as he was tapped to lead the Department of State in the second Trump administration. Protesters interrupted the proceedings, with one female protester shouting at Rubio in Spanish, while at least two men, including one wearing pink, were escorted out by Capitol Police after causing a disturbance.

Rubio handled the interruptions with humor, quipping about bilingual protesters and earning laughter from the crowd. Ahead of the hearing, Code Pink protesters, wearing bright pink shirts with anti-Rubio slogans, made their presence known with their opposition to U.S. foreign policy.

Protesters were warned by the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to not disrupt the hearing, with consequences including removal from the room and a ban from future public hearings for at least a year. Despite the disruptions, Rubio remained composed and focused on the task at hand.

The Senate hearings for Trump’s cabinet picks have been marred by protests, with Department of Energy nominee Chris Wright and Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth also facing interruptions during their confirmation hearings. Protesters raised concerns about U.S. policies in Israel and Gaza, as well as other issues impacting veterans and national security.

Sen. Tom Cotton addressed the protesters during Hegseth’s hearing, highlighting the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza. Hegseth affirmed his support for Israel’s actions against Hamas, echoing the stance of President Trump.

Despite the disruptions, the Senate hearings continued as scheduled, with lawmakers pressing the nominees on their policies and plans for their respective departments. The interruptions serve as a reminder of the diverse opinions and concerns that exist within the American public, highlighting the importance of open dialogue and respectful discourse in the political process.