President Donald Trump made headlines during a recent Cabinet meeting by humorously recounting an incident involving a grandfather clock that belonged to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting, which took place in the Cabinet Room of the White House, covered various significant topics, including the ongoing situation in Gaza and international tariffs. However, it was Trump’s playful storytelling that captured the attention of those present.
During the meeting, Trump expressed his pride in the renovations he has initiated in the Cabinet Room. He described his efforts to redecorate the space in a style reminiscent of his Mar-A-Lago estate, elaborating on how he had retrieved portraits of past presidents from storage to enhance the room’s aesthetic. “I picked it all myself. I’m very proud of it,” he stated, showcasing his personal touch in the redesign.
The highlight of the gathering came when Trump shared a lighthearted anecdote about claiming a “beautiful” grandfather clock from Rubio’s office at the State Department. “So as president, you have the power—if I go into the State Department, or Department of Commerce or Treasury—if I see anything that I like, I’m allowed to take it. Can you believe this?” Trump remarked, eliciting laughter from the assembled Cabinet members.
In a jovial tone, Trump recounted how he had to convince Rubio to part with the clock. “I’m in Marco’s office [and] I see this gorgeous clock, grandfather clock,” he said, while Rubio sat beside him, smiling awkwardly. Trump humorously described how he initially attempted to persuade Rubio to relinquish the timepiece. “I tried to talk him into it first, and it sort of worked,” he said, indicating that further persuasion was necessary.
Eventually, Trump felt it was necessary to assert his authority. “I said, ‘Marco, I have the right to do it,’” he recounted, delivering a playful slap on Rubio’s back as he relayed the story. The atmosphere in the room remained light as Trump concluded, “That’s his contribution to the Cabinet Room. But, by the way, it’s an incredible clock.”
This entertaining episode reflects the often theatrical nature of Trump’s leadership style, blending humor with a demonstration of presidential privilege. While the meeting addressed serious policy matters, it was Trump’s anecdote that provided a moment of levity and showcased the dynamics within his administration.
