Top State Dept Official Spread False Claims About Marco Rubio's Sexuality, Called Him 'Low IQ'

A top official at the State Department has deleted a series of social media publications mocking Secretary Marco Rubio, including false rumors about his sexuality and claims about his intelligence.

Darren Beattie, acting under secretary of state for public diplomacy, seemed to be particularly hostile to Rubio, based on a deep-dive by CNN on his social media activity. He criticized him especially after he voted to certify the 2020 presidential elections and condemned the January 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol.

The outlet also recalled that Beattie was fired from his role as a speechwriter during the first Trump administration after it was revealed he attended a conference featuring White nationalists and separately made homophobic and racist comments.

Beattie's appointment to the State Department caused outrage among Democrats, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighting that he has "has long pushed the Chinese Communist Party line on the Uyghur genocide," "repeated Russia's propaganda on the Ukraine war," and "even advocated that the U.S. make a deal to allow China to take over Taiwan."

Many of Beattie's publications have been deleted, but CNN found some where he said: "If a bunch of DC wonks try to reinvent Marco Rubio as a nationalist, but a 'respectable' one who promises tax credits to BLM supporters and is "TOUGH ON CHINA" will you be a good dog and vote for him?"

Beattie also cast doubt on whether former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons on the country's population, a matter that has been proven. "I bet Rubio still thinks Assad gassed his own people," Beattie wrote.

"Forget Wainwright park, forget the foam, forget the war promotion and the neocon sugar daddies, forget the low IQ, forget the 2016 primary, Rubio is TOUGH ON CHINA (and good for military industrial complex) So be a good DOG and vote for him!!!" reads another post.

Beattie responded to CNN's report, saying Rubio is "100 percent America First and it's a tremendous honor to work for him in advancing President Trump's world historical agenda." Rubio has declined to comment on the matter, saying his role would focus on perceived online censorship, and that he won't be nominated for the full-time position.