> At a Glance
> – President Trump read a private note from Secretary Marco Rubio aloud during a Jan. 9 White House meeting with oil and gas executives
> – Note instructed Trump to “go back to Chevron” so the company could discuss something
> – Vice President JD Vance laughed while Rubio appeared uncomfortable
> – Why it matters: The moment showcased an awkward breach of private communication in front of industry leaders
During a Jan. 9 press conference with energy executives, President Donald Trump turned a quiet prompt from Secretary of State Marco Rubio into public theater.
The Note That Made Headlines
While seated between Vice President JD Vance and Rubio, Trump called on Ryan Lance of ConocoPhillips to speak. Rubio then passed a handwritten note to the president.
Trump announced, “Marco just gave me a note,” before reading it aloud:
> “Go back to Chevron. They want to discuss something. Go back to Chevron.”
Vance chuckled as Rubio looked on. Trump returned the paper to the table and said, “Go ahead, I’m going back to Chevron,” then patted Rubio on the back.
Confusion in the Room
An off-camera voice asked, “Was there a question, Mr. President?” Trump picked up the note again:
> “Yes, go ahead… Marco, what was the, what are you saying here?”
Energy Secretary Chris Wright stepped in, inviting Mark Nelson of Chevron to speak. While Nelson updated the room, Rubio retrieved the note, folded it, and tucked it away.
A Pattern of Public Notes
This was not Rubio’s first private message to become public:
- Oct. 8, 2025: Photographers captured Rubio’s note urging Trump to “approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first” regarding a tentative Israel-Hamas peace agreement
- Trump told meeting attendees: “I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying that we’re very close to a deal on the Middle East”
Key Takeaways
- Trump revealed Rubio’s handwritten prompt to return to Chevron during a live press event
- The incident highlighted a gap between private staff guidance and public disclosure
- Rubio previously had another note photographed during Middle East negotiations
- Energy executives witnessed the exchange as policy discussions continued
The moment underscored how quickly private staff communication can become public when the president chooses to share it.
