In the wake of President Donald Trump‘s reported “shithole” comments, members of Congress have spoken out vociferously against him. But Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who Trump has taken pleasure in belittling, offered this timid response.
….slander no one,…be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone Titus 3 1-2
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 12, 2018
Earlier, Rubio sent out a string of tweets about the accomplishments of Haitians, who Trump reportedly said lived in a “shithole” country.
#HaitianAmericans have made great contribution in the field of science and technology https://t.co/zRazSzGq5T
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 12, 2018
#HaitianAmericans are serving in public office as members of both political parties. https://t.co/pdEn0rtwRC
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 12, 2018
Rubio’s weak response wasn’t satisfying for people online who couldn’t believe he wouldn’t say President Trump’s name.
Say his name Marco!!! Say his name!!! @realDonaldTrump
— Matty Baseball 🌙 (@mboom3) January 12, 2018
People who were also unbelievably shocked that was the strongest denouncement Rubio could muster.
You're kidding, right?
— Nancy Stein (@SeniorityMatter) January 12, 2018
Respectfully sir this is a cowards way out. Anyone not directly condemning DJTs recent display of racism/xenophobia for exactly what it is becomes complicit in normalizing it.
— Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern) January 12, 2018
Senator, you & the GOP leadership should be gathered on Capitol steps demanding change
Coward
— Danny Bland (@mrdannybland) January 12, 2018
This is the face of Republican cowardice. This is the best he can do. https://t.co/48SBbQt1Vv
— Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence) January 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/Anthony/status/951845028460138497
In times of crisis, Marco Rubio is America's needlepointed throw pillow. https://t.co/WXGHBW5eMd
— Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) January 12, 2018
Man, I haven’t seen a better example of Republican cowardice than this. Hiding behind scripture to keep from speaking truth to evil is wrong, Senator. Where is the love for children when it comes to funding CHIP? Couldn’t find a passage to protect them, but you can for a bigot? https://t.co/20kJfrNaSG
— Lindsay (@LindsaySweeting) January 12, 2018
Another profile in spinelessness. https://t.co/hQPKuj14S7
— Steve Kistulentz (@kistulentz) January 12, 2018
That Rubio refuses to name the president in his tweets stands in stark contrast to Trump himself, who seemed to take joy in publicly insulting Rubio throughout the primary.
Little Marco Rubio, the lightweight no show Senator from Florida is just another Washington politician. pic.twitter.com/NsLrHrqjdx
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2016
Trump later changed his derogatory nickname for Rubio from “Little” to L-I-D-D-L-E. Rubio, for his part, has mostly praised the administration on Twitter.