Mike Pence blasted Trump on CNN, saying he treated dictators with a “velvet glove” when a “hammer” was needed. He urged tougher sanctions on Russia, warning that Putin “only understands strength” and won’t stop unless forced to. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back in a separate interview, insisting he had firsthand knowledge of the situation and sparring with the host over the facts.
🚨 HOLY CRAP! CBS' Margaret Brennan thought she knew more about foreign policy and the Russia-Ukraine negotiations than Marco Rubio.
She didn't. He put her in her place. Rubio is a masterclass.
"No it isn't, that's not why…That's not true…No."pic.twitter.com/ZpZASCsFYQ
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 17, 2025
