US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently addressed a viral meme that has circulated on social media for over a year. During an interview aired on Fox News' program "My View with Lara Trump" on 1/8, Rubio was asked about the widely shared image of him "sulking on the sofa" in the White House.

The photograph was captured on 28/2/2025, during the initial meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. At the time, Rubio's expression was jokingly described by many as "sulking" or indicating a reluctant presence.

Rubio's posture and displeased face during the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on 28/2/2025. Photo: Latin Times

The image quickly became a popular meme, frequently recirculated whenever President Trump assigned Rubio new tasks or when the US government faced fresh challenges.

Rubio, who currently serves as acting Secretary of State and acting National Security Advisor, previously held the position of acting administrator for the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

"That meme is quite interesting. But when it first appeared, I really hated that picture," he told host Lara Trump.

Rubio clarified that the Oval Office sofa's design caused anyone sitting on it to "sink in" without proper back support, creating the impression of "slumped shoulders, angry" or sulking. However, as the expression transformed into a social media meme, his perspective gradually shifted. "The photo became something else, and I think it's fine, quite funny. I don't follow it too closely, but people still show me those images," the US Secretary of State stated.

Memes of the US Secretary of State sitting in the Oval Office. Photo: news24

Dan Scavino, White House Deputy Chief of Staff and a friend of Rubio, even created a compilation of the various meme versions and sent them to him. "Dan Scavino made a very nice board for me. And since it was finished, we've had to update it because there are many new pictures. Things like that are quite fun," he said.

Rubio's continuous assignment to significant roles within the Trump administration has fueled speculation about a potential presidential bid in 2028. This is particularly true given his prominent involvement in key administration priorities, including the conflict with Iran and Russia-Ukraine peace talks.

During the interview with Lara Trump, Secretary Rubio also shared his views on his personal evolution after years in politics. "I think everyone is like that. You change with life, learn new things, see things you've never seen before, hear things you've never heard before. I, at age 55, am certainly a different person than I was at 25 or 35, because I've gained 20-30 years of experience in life and work," he reflected.

Thanh Danh (According to Fox, Hill, USA Today)