Secretary of State Marco Rubio clashed with Democratic lawmakers during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that was supposed to focus on US foreign policy and the recent conflict with Iran.
Instead, Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs pressed Rubio over a pair of Florsheim shoes reportedly given to him by President Trump, suggesting that his supposed refusal to admit the shoes were too large reflected a broader unwillingness to “admit facts.”
Rubio appeared stunned by the line of questioning and pushed back sharply, saying the shoes fit fine and asking whether the committee hearing had become “a circus.”
The exchange came as Democrats also tried to question Rubio on domestic political issues and President Trump’s personal habits, rather than focusing on the foreign-policy challenges before the committee. Rubio rejected the attacks and argued that the hearing should remain focused on America’s role in the world, not partisan theater.