Rubio, Van Hollen Clash Over Deportations, State Department Budget in Senate Hearing

During a contentious Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the 2026 State Department budget, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Chris Van Hollen engaged in a heated exchange marked by sharp accusations and political posturing. Van Hollen expressed regret over his vote to confirm Rubio, criticizing the administration's handling of deportations, particularly concerning Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member deported to El Salvador. Rubio strongly defended the administration's deportation policies, accusing Van Hollen of defending criminals and highlighting Garcia's criminal background, even mocking Van Hollen for meeting and sharing drinks with Garcia in El Salvador. The confrontation underscored broader disputes over U.S. foreign policy, immigration enforcement, and budget priorities, with Rubio also criticizing certain USAID expenditures and the State Department's reorganization. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair James Risch intervened to limit Van Hollen's speaking time amid the back-and-forth. The clash reflected deep partisan divisions and showcased Rubio's combative approach in defending the Trump administration's policies and budget proposals.