“I said, ‘Marco, I have the right to do it,’” Trump gloated, relishing his authority—and taking a jab at his Secretary of State.
In a moment that blurred the line between reality TV and executive governance, President Donald Trump proudly recounted how he “commandeered” a prized grandfather clock from Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s office—turning a Cabinet meeting into a theatrical display of presidential dominance.
The incident occurred Tuesday during a scheduled Cabinet session that briefly touched on serious matters like the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and rising tensions over tariffs. But the spotlight quickly shifted to a less expected subject: Trump’s personal makeover of the White House Cabinet Room.
“I’m giving it the Mar-a-Lago touch,” Trump grinned to reporters during the on-camera portion of the meeting. “A little gold here, some glamour there. It’s going to be classy. Presidential-classy.”
He gestured behind him to the newly installed presidential portraits—and, more notably, to an ornate grandfather clock now standing near the corner. “You see that clock? That came from Marco’s office. It’s a beautiful clock,” Trump said, grinning. “And it’s mine now.”
From Rival to Furniture Donor
The dig at Rubio—whom Trump famously labeled “Little Marco” during the 2016 GOP primary—wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was a public display of power dressed up as interior design.
“I walked into his office, saw that gorgeous clock, and said, ‘Marco, I love this clock. I’m taking it,’” Trump recalled, slapping Rubio on the back with theatrical flair. “He pushed back a little. I had to read him the rules. As president, I can take whatever I want from any federal department. Can you believe that?”
Rubio, seated nearby, offered a tight smile as the room erupted in laughter. “He said, ‘What clock?’” Trump mocked, drawing more chuckles—this time from a visibly amused Attorney General Pam Bondi, who despite facing recent scrutiny, joined the ribbing.
A Humbling Reminder
The moment marked yet another public instance of Trump reminding Rubio—and the country—who’s boss. Since appointing the Florida senator as Secretary of State last year, Trump has often playfully (and sometimes not-so-playfully) kept him in a subordinate spotlight.
According to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the clock in question had been a gift from a visiting European delegation during Rubio’s Senate days and held “significant personal value.”
“Trump knew that,” the official said. “He made a show of taking it anyway.”
Symbolism Over Subtlety
The clock—ornate, polished, and looming—is now a permanent fixture of the Cabinet Room. “It’s his contribution to the room,” Trump said with a smirk. “And by the way, it’s an incredible clock.”
Whether a humorous anecdote or a petty power play, the moment sent a clear message: under Trump’s presidency, even the décor becomes a reminder of who holds the reins.
As one political analyst noted, “It wasn’t about the clock. It was about control.”
And in the Trump era, control often comes with a punchline. Or in Rubio’s case—two hard slaps to the back.
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People will little intelligence usually have a sense of humor to match!
What dufus bothered us with this nonsense article???
I can’t believe the country elected such a stupid man to be president !
That sure doesnt look like Rubio…pretty close, though. Maybe because we rarely see him with such a wide grin on his face. Drumpy isnt one bit funny….it’s a clock! Go buy your own!!! What next??? A pic on their desk of their wife or daughter????
Wow, like that\’s surprising! I think you have to have very thick skin to be around Trump.
trump tries to humiliate anyone & everyone.