Politics

Trump, Rubio reportedly plan Texas visit to oil tanker with Venezuelan crude

Two U.S. officials and a congressional aide say the Port Arthur stop coincides with Trump's Texas midterm campaigning; Rubio's role is unclear.

Updated Oct 27, 2026 · 20:23 UTC2 reports

The short version

Trump and Rubio reportedly plan to show off a newly arrived oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude, according to officials.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
The Port Arthur, Texas, stop falls on a day Trump campaigns in the state for Republican midterm candidates, including Ken Paxton.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
It is not clear whether Rubio, who is also national security adviser, would join any campaign events.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]

Trump and Rubio plan to show off a newly arrived oil tanker carrying Venezuelan crude for processing at Texas refineries, according to a congressional aide and two U.S. officials.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
The Port Arthur, Texas, visit is scheduled for the same day Trump campaigns in Texas for Republican midterm candidates.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
Trump has rallies scheduled in Corpus Christi and Lubbock to support U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
It is not clear whether Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, would take part in campaign events.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]

Whether Rubio will take part in any campaign events is unclear.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]
The plan rests on anonymous sourcing from U.S. officials and a congressional aide, and the reporting does not cite an official public announcement.[PBS NewsHour · Associated Press]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.