Trump and Marco Rubio Showcase Venezuelan Oil Tanker Arrival in Texas Amid Midterm Campaigning

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio planned Tuesday to showcase a newly arrived oil tanker filled with Venezuelan crude destined for processing in Texas refineries, according to a congressional aide and two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The visit to Port Arthur, Texas, coincides with a political swing through the state as Trump campaigns for Republican candidates ahead of upcoming midterm elections. The president has scheduled rallies in Corpus Christi and Lubbock to shore up support for U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who is engaged in a competitive race against Democratic candidate James Talarico.

It remained unclear whether Rubio, who also serves as Trump’s national security adviser, would participate in the political campaign events. However, the trip marks the first time Rubio has hit the road with Trump as the president barnstorms the country during his second term.

The involvement of the nation’s top diplomat in a trip that doubles as political travel highlights the blurring lines between governing and campaigning under the current administration. Attorney General Todd Blanche has previously appeared alongside Republican candidates at similar political rallies.

Rubio, a former 2016 presidential candidate frequently viewed as a prospective contender for 2028, has not announced whether he will seek the office again. His political activities have remained limited since he assumed the role of secretary of state.