Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) accused Secretary of State Marco Rubio of lying to Congress during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday [1].
The exchange highlights growing concerns among some lawmakers regarding President Donald Trump's health and fitness for office. The confrontation occurred during a hearing held at the U.S. Capitol on June 3, 2026 [1].
During the proceedings, Lieu played video clips that he said showed President Trump falling asleep during Cabinet meetings. Rubio responded by denying he had ever seen the president sleep during such gatherings. Rubio said, "I have never seen the President fall asleep in a meeting" [3].
Rubio further defended the president's stamina and work habits. He said, "The guy doesn’t sleep" [2].
Lieu rejected Rubio's testimony after the video evidence was presented. He said to the Secretary of State, "You just lied to Congress" [2].
The clash centered on whether the president's behavior in high-level meetings constitutes a health risk or a lack of fitness for the duties of the presidency. Rubio continued to deny the allegations throughout the exchange, while Lieu maintained that the visual evidence contradicted the secretary's statements [1].
“"You just lied to Congress."”
This confrontation underscores the increasing use of video evidence to challenge the testimony of administration officials during congressional oversight. By framing the issue as one of health and fitness for office, Democratic lawmakers are attempting to create a formal record of presidential incapacity, while the administration relies on personal testimony to maintain a narrative of strength and endurance.
