Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) appeared on Face the Nation to discuss several pressing issues, including foreign election interference, threats to President Donald Trump’s life, and the impact of illegal mass migration on American communities.

On the topic of foreign election interference, Rubio remarked, “I think this is going to become a fact of life in the 21st century. It’s just very easy now for anyone to do it. You don’t have to be a big nation-state.” He highlighted that different countries have varied motives and methods. For instance, he noted that Russia aims to sow division within the U.S., while Iran's efforts are more focused on targeting Donald Trump specifically. China, according to Rubio, is newer in this space but is growing its influence operations.

Regarding congressional testimony from Microsoft’s president about AI-generated fake media influencing elections, Rubio advised caution: “If you see something out there, a video that just seems way too scandalous, I would pause for a second and make sure that it can be verified.”

Rubio also discussed hack and leak operations targeting political campaigns. Reflecting on past incidents like those in 2016 against Hillary Clinton's campaign, he said such tactics are likely to become more common: “I remind everybody that back in 2016... I said, ‘That’s a foreign operation that was used to target the Clinton campaign.’”

Addressing Americans' lack of trust in federal law enforcement agencies following two assassination attempts on Donald Trump and other controversies involving intelligence officials, Rubio emphasized transparency: “What information is made available to the American public... I think people are right to be suspicious and distrustful.”

He expressed confidence in FBI field agents but voiced concerns about potential bias at higher levels within these agencies: “I trust rank and file... FBI agents to do their job. I don’t know what their leadership... will do with it.”

Rubio also touched upon bomb threats being called into Springfield, Ohio from overseas sources. While not necessarily directed by foreign governments, he acknowledged these incidents could originate from individuals abroad.

Discussing illegal mass migration's strain on local communities like Charleroi, Pennsylvania and Springfield, Ohio, Rubio stated: “Americans who are not intolerant... are troubled by the fact that their city is being flooded.” He argued that concerns over increased traffic accidents and overcrowded schools should not be dismissed as bigotry.

Finally, Rubio criticized media coverage of illegal mass migration: “There are real impacts happening in our country with this movement of mass migration... The cats and dogs thing has gotten way more coverage than the real world impacts.”

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