In a classic display of his unscripted style, US President Donald Trump transformed a formal White House gathering into a moment of public spectacle. The incident occurred on Friday during a meeting with top oil and gas industry executives.
The Unplanned Revelation
Seated between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump casually announced he had received a handwritten message. Without hesitation, he proceeded to read the private note aloud for everyone in the room and the television audience to hear. The note was from Secretary Rubio himself, and its public sharing led to clear signs of unease from the diplomat.
"Marco just gave me a note," Trump informed the assembled executives before reading its contents. "Go back to Chevron," Trump recited from the paper. "They want to discuss something. Go back to Chevron."
The reaction from the two men flanking him was a study in contrasts. Vice President JD Vance was seen laughing at the unexpected turn of events. Secretary Rubio, however, offered only a strained smile, his body language signalling clear discomfort at having his private communication broadcast live.
Aftermath and a Previous Incident
After reading the note, Trump placed it back on the table, patted Rubio on the back, and said, "Thank you, Marco." When an off-camera voice asked, "Was there a question, Mr. President?" Trump picked up the paper again, saying, "Yes, go ahead," before turning to Rubio to ask for clarification on the message's meaning.
Following this, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright directed the conversation back to the meeting's agenda, asking Mark Nelson of Chevron to provide updates. As Nelson spoke, Rubio quietly retrieved his note, folded it, and put it away, effectively ending the impromptu public viewing.
This is not the first time a note from Rubio to Trump has captured public attention. In a previous incident on October 8, 2025, during a meeting with conservative influencers and the press, photographers captured the contents of another note. That message urged Trump to approve a social media post on Truth Social to announce a tentative Israel-Hamas peace deal before others could.
The Associated Press photo showed the note which read: “You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.” Trump then informed attendees about the potential Middle East breakthrough, stating he had to leave to "try and solve some problems," while jokingly adding that Rubio could probably do a better job.
A Pattern of Unconventional Diplomacy
These episodes highlight the unconventional, off-the-cuff nature of Trump's leadership style, where private governmental communications can instantly become public theatre. The incidents underscore the dynamic between the President and his Secretary of State, revealing moments where traditional diplomatic protocol is set aside for immediate, and often televised, action.
For observers and participants alike, such moments serve as a reminder of the unpredictable atmosphere that can define high-level meetings within this administration, where a simple handwritten note can unexpectedly become the day's headline.
