Rubio clashes with Rep. Sherman over Saudi Arabia, Iran at Foreign Affairs hearing
Secretary of State Marco Rubio found himself in a heated exchange with Rep. Brad Sherman during a House hearing on Thursday. The California Democrat demanded that Rubio only answer questions with a “yes” or a “no,” prompting Rubio to remind him that “this is not a game show.”
Rubio was testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., addressing various topics such as foreign aid, nuclear proliferation in Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Tensions rose early on when Sherman pressed Rubio on a potential nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Rubio began to explain that there had been no discussions about such an agreement, but Sherman interrupted, insisting on a simple “yes” or “no” response due to time constraints. Rubio pushed back, asserting his right to provide a thorough answer to the complex question at hand.
As the back-and-forth continued, Sherman attempted to reclaim his time, prompting Rubio to emphasize that this was not a game show and that he should be allowed to provide detailed responses to the important issues being discussed.
The exchange escalated when Sherman pressed Rubio on whether the Trump administration would maintain sanctions on Iran until they ceased all nuclear enrichment activities. Rubio emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from enriching uranium to avoid weaponization, but Sherman demanded a clear “yes” or “no” answer.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Rubio remained steadfast in his commitment to addressing the complexities of the issues at hand and ensuring that any actions taken by the government would lead to tangible benefits for the American people.
The House hearing served as a platform for Rubio to underscore the State Department’s focus on protecting American interests and promoting safety, strength, and prosperity for the nation. Rubio’s insistence on providing thorough and thoughtful responses highlighted the importance of informed decision-making in foreign policy matters.
