Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US President Donald Trump reads a note handed to him by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a roundtable meeting on antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House, October 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
US President Donald Trump appears to cut a White House event on Antifa short after receiving a note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding ongoing efforts to secure an end to the war in Gaza.
“I was just given a note by the secretary saying that we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East, and they’re going to need me pretty quickly,” Trump tells reporters.
“I have to go now to try and solve some problems in the Middle East,” he subsequently adds.
The note from Rubio says, “Very close. You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio whispers to President Donald Trump during a roundtable meeting on antifa in the State Dining Room at the White House, October 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Earlier during the Q & A, Trump was asked about his potential trip to the region this weekend and whether it might include a visit to Gaza.
“I may do that,” Trump said, adding that it hasn’t been decided
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio writes a note before handing it to President Donald Trump during a roundtable meeting in the State Dining Room at the White House, October 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Trump said he will most likely be going to Egypt but added that he would be “making the rounds.”
NEW: President Trump tells reporters he will "most likely" be going to Egypt for Gaza peace talks.
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 9, 2025
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