WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday plan to showcase a newly arrived oil tanker loaded with Venezuelan crude that will be processed at a Texas refinery, according to a congressional aide and two U.S. officials.
Watch Trump’s speech en route to Texas in the video player above.
Trump’s visit to Port Arthur, Texas, comes on the same day he is campaigning for Republican candidates in the midterm elections in the state.
Watch live: Trump campaigned for Ken Paxton at Texas rally
The president plans to hold rallies in Corpus Christi and Lubbock. Trump is trying to solidify support for U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who is in a tight race against Democratic candidate James Talarico.
It’s unclear whether Rubio, who also serves as Trump’s national security adviser, will participate in any campaign events. But this is his first time on the road with President Trump as he tours the country.
The two U.S. officials and congressional aides spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss Rubio’s plan before it is announced publicly.
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It is highly unusual for the country’s top diplomat to take a political trip. Rubio’s trip would be the latest example of how Trump’s second term as president is blurring the lines between governing and campaigning. Attorney General Todd Branch has appeared at rallies with Republican candidates.
Rubio previously ran for president in 2016 and is considered a top candidate for the 2028 presidential candidate. He has not said whether he will run, and his political activities have been restricted since becoming secretary of state.
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