WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Marco Rubio made headlines on Sunday, July 7, by asserting that Donald Trump, if re-elected, would not seek retribution against his political adversaries.

Speaking on CNN's 'State of the Union',  Rubio attempted to downplay Trump's prior statements about retaliating against perceived enemies.

"Donald Trump has been the one that’s been very clear: that his vengeance will be by winning and making America great again. Not going after his political opponents," Rubio stated during his appearance, as per The Daily Beast.

Marco Rubio downplays Donald Trump's prior statements about retaliating against enemies

Rubio, a prominent contender for Trump's vice-presidential pick, supported his claims by referencing Trump’s previous term.

"He was president before and he didn’t do it then. He’s already said that he wouldn’t do that. He’ll be too busy undoing all the damage of this disastrous presidency," Rubio emphasized.

During the CNN interview, Rubio cast Trump as a victim of a Democratic-led political vendetta. According to Rubio, the US justice system has been weaponized against Trump to silence him.

Since leaving the White House in 2021, Trump has been embroiled in numerous legal battles, including 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and federal charges concerning his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and mishandling classified documents.

Despite these issues, Trump has made statements suggesting he would seek revenge if re-elected. In a Fox News interview, Trump said he "would have every right to go after" rivals like President Joe Biden.

Additionally, in a June interview with Dr Phil, Trump remarked, "Sometimes revenge can be justified."

Rubio’s comments came shortly after a US Supreme Court decision that grants presidents broad immunity from prosecution for official actions taken while in office—a decision seen as favorable for Trump

Rubio also echoed Trump’s hardline stance on undocumented immigrants on CNN, stating, "Ten million people are in our country illegally. They’re murdering people every day."

This statement highlights the extent to which Trump has influenced Republican rhetoric on immigration, an issue Rubio once approached with a more reformative mindset.

Marco Rubio's defense of Donald Trump sparks backlash online

The public reaction to Rubio’s defense of Trump was swift and critical as social media users did not hold back in their disapproval.

One user on X commented, "Sycophant’s gotta sycophant," while another remarked, "flip-flopper Rubio telling the truth about anything that does not benefit him is a JOKE."

"Rubio is a spineless sycophant who still thinks he’s on Trump’s VP shortlist," said one user. Another added, "Desperation drips from his face." One user noted, "He’s either an idiot or a liar. History suggests both, though." Another declared, "Marco Rubio is not a serious person. He’s as big a liar as Trump but just not as visible."

The backlash continued with a user stating, "As usual, Marco Rubio doesn't know what he is talking about," and another bluntly saying, "Rubio lives in his own little bubble."