Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced online backlash on Tuesday over an exchange about his “DJ name” during a White House press briefing on the ongoing war with Iran. Rubio was filling in for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is currently on maternity leave, when Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich asked him: “Many people want to know, what is your DJ name?”
Heinrich was referencing viral footage from the weekend that showed Rubio pretending to DJ at a wedding. “My DJ name? You’re not ready for my DJ name,” Rubio replied, prompting the briefing room to erupt in laughter. Heinrich then quickly pivoted back to questions about the war.
The exchange sparked criticism on social media, with some users slamming the lighthearted question as gas prices continue to climb, a consequence of Trump’s military action in the Middle East. Others described the moment as “so” and “fucking embarrassing.”
Elsewhere in the same briefing, Rubio had also raised eyebrows after quoting hip-hop lyrics while discussing the conflict. The incident has fueled debate about the role of the press and the seriousness of media coverage during a time of war.
