Marco Rubio recently made a seemingly light-hearted remark to the members of the press, saying that he “didn’t even want to talk” to them. However, it appears his comments did not sit well with social media users, who suggested that he should perhaps quit.
The U.S. Secretary of State’s comment came during a NATO Foreign Ministers’ Summit in Helsingborg, Sweden, on Friday, May 22, 2026. Before taking questions from reporters at the meeting, Rubio jokingly told them that he was hesitant to speak with them. “I didn’t even want to talk to you guys. They told me, ‘you have to talk to the press.’ Alright, let’s do it,” the 54-year-old said.
The brief moment was widely circulated across social media platforms, with one YouTube Shorts clip even framing it as Rubio “whining” about talking to reporters.
Marco Rubio whines about having to talk to reporters:
“I don’t even want to talk to you guys. They told me I had to talk to the press.” pic.twitter.com/UA4ydbrMCV
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) May 22, 2026
The moment quickly gained traction among netizens, with many criticizing the Secretary of State for his remarks and suggesting that he should either resign or step up to his responsibilities.
“Well, he can quit then he won’t have to talk to them. Big Baby,” commented one YouTube user.
Another comment read, “These people need reminded who they work for. #Rubio, you work for US, the American people! You need to answer EVERY question we ask you!”
A third person quipped, “I don’t want to pay my taxes, I was told I have to…. It is called, responsibilities, Rubio!”
“How about resigning then? No respect for the press the American people depend on — Shame!!” said someone else.
On X, formerly Twitter, netizens echoed similar sentiments. “When you took the job you took on the responsibility of lying for Trump. Now be a good boy, Lil Marco, step up and do your duty,” said one user.
“You’re really not that interesting @marcorubio. You could always resign? I can assure you that would be the best way to not “have to talk to the press,” a second person’s tweet said.
“He doesn’t want to answer for his BETRAYAL of America and Americans,” yet another person said.
When you took the job you took on the responsibility of lying for Trump. Now be a good boy, Lil Marco, step up and do your duty.
— JOHN VALENTINE (@SageAmenti) May 22, 2026
However, some users defended Rubio, with one user writing, “he’s obviously joking.”
Marco Rubio was in Sweden to discuss NATO allies’ concerns about U.S. troop levels across Europe and Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
According to PBS News, Rubio told the foreign ministers in the meeting that the U.S. is committed to the military alliance, but that the presence of American troops would also depend on what the allies contribute to NATO.
Leaving Sweden after productive NATO meetings. The goal is to have a NATO that is strong. The stronger our NATO Allies are, the stronger NATO is going to be. pic.twitter.com/R4ibbbCQHG
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 22, 2026
Rubio also met with the current NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte. “Their discussions focused on defense spending, defense industrial production, and the development of a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO,” the official website for NATO said.
Sharing images from the NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting on X, Rubio wrote, “Leaving Sweden after productive NATO meetings. The goal is to have a NATO that is strong. The stronger our NATO Allies are, the stronger NATO is going to be.”
