Rubio Spent $1.2M in Taxpayer Money on Son's Football Travel
Secretary of State Marco Rubio flew government aircraft to Gainesville at least 23 times since taking office. A Washington Post review puts the cost above $1.2 million.
- 15 of the 23 trips were classified by the State Department as personal.
- 10 or more Gators games attended, including five this fall.
- $9,100 an hour is the Pentagon's billing rate for his usual military jet.
- 4 games played in four years by his son Anthony, a walk-on running back.
Why it matters: Rubio is barred from flying commercially for security reasons. For personal trips, he owes only the cost of an economy ticket.
- The Post estimates his repayments at roughly $18,000 to $33,000.
- Former officials told the Post his personal travel exceeds his predecessors'.
How 14 sources split on this story
Where they split: The dispute is whether rule-compliant travel at this cost is a legitimate security requirement or a misuse of public money.
Center coverage, 3 sources: The center centers the dollar figure and gives Rubio's defense of attending family events prominent space.
Left coverage, 8 sources: The left sees a costly perk at taxpayer expense, sharpened by Rubio's past demand to investigate Pete Buttigieg's government flights.
What’s next: Spokesman Dylan Johnson said Rubio will keep using military aircraft for secure communications and continuity of government.
- Cynthia Brown of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington called it an optics issue meriting scrutiny.
- How much has Rubio actually reimbursed the government?
- Will any inspector general or congressional review follow, as with Buttigieg?
