‘I almost terminated him’: Why did Donald Trump say he wanted to fire US Secretary of State Marco Rubio?
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 19, 2026
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US President Donald Trump humorously mentioned during the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace that he “almost terminated” Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s employment due to Rubio’s strong performance at an international gathering. The remark, made at a high-profile event in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026, came as Trump praised Rubio for representing the US well during the Gaza ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas. While Trump emphasized that he was proud of Rubio's work, he also playfully warned him not to outshine Melania Trump, his wife, who had recently gained attention due to her documentary.
The Board of Peace meeting brought together world leaders to oversee efforts to stabilize and rebuild Gaza following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US. Countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and others committed $7 billion in funding, with the US contributing an additional $10 billion. The event also highlighted the growing political dynamics within Trump’s administration, as Rubio and Vice President JD Vance were seen as potential contenders for the
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026