Trump and Rubio travel in Texas as oil tanker visit planned

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled together in Texas on October 27 as Trump campaigned ahead of the midterm elections and promoted a shipment of Venezuelan crude intended for Texas refineries. The plan was for the two men to visit a tanker in Port Arthur, but reporting did not clearly confirm that the visit took place or establish Rubio’s presence aboard or beside the vessel. Trump said the tanker carried one million barrels of Venezuelan oil. The shipment was intended for processing at Texas refineries, and the administration presented the oil as part of efforts to expand Venezuelan production, increase U.S. supply and ease energy costs. Trump has said fuel prices would cool, while households have faced higher gasoline and other costs. Rubio joined Trump at a campaign rally in Corpus Christi, where Trump called him onstage and Rubio joined him. A State Department official said Rubio was traveling in his capacity as national security adviser so he could have time to discuss issues with Trump. Rubio also serves as secretary of state. A U.S. official said he was not expected to speak at the rallies; the reports did not establish whether he...