A close-up photo of a handwritten note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio to President Donald Trump has offered an unusual glimpse into the inner workings of the administration’s social media and communication process. The moment occurred on October 8, during a White House meeting with conservative influencers and members of the press about antifa.
As President Trump addressed the room, Rubio quietly handed him a note, drawing the president’s attention away from the crowd. Photographers captured a detailed image of the paper, revealing its contents:
“You need to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.”
The note referred to the ongoing peace negotiations Trump had been facilitating between Israel and Hamas, where a tentative agreement had reportedly been reached between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and Hamas. This brief, handwritten instruction demonstrates that even the president’s social media posts require internal approval before publication, a rare peek behind the curtain of presidential communications.
Upon reading the note, Trump addressed the audience, acknowledging the urgency of the message. “I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying that we’re very close to a deal on the Middle East, and they’re gonna need me pretty quickly. So we’ll take a couple of more questions,” he explained.
The roundtable wrapped up roughly ten minutes later, with Trump adding:
“Although I’m very well represented by our secretary of state. He could probably do an even better job than me, but who knows. We don’t want to take any chances. So we’re going to go and do that.”
The handwritten note ultimately prompted Trump to publish the announcement via Truth Social approximately two hours after the meeting, at 6:51 PM local time. The post officially confirmed the peace deal and highlighted the significance of pre-approval in the president’s digital communications workflow.
The Truth Social announcement read:
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly! This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this Historic and Unprecedented Event happen. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
The post concluded with Trump’s signature: “DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
Photographs from the event capture Trump gesturing as he reads the note, clearly acknowledging its reference to the Middle East peace process during a roundtable discussion in the State Dining Room of the White House. The moment highlights the combination of traditional and modern communication methods in the White House, blending handwritten instructions with rapid digital dissemination via social media platforms like Truth Social.
This instance provides an unusual look at the behind-the-scenes coordination required for presidential communications, especially regarding sensitive international agreements. While the note was brief, its implications were significant: it signaled the immediate need to announce a historic peace initiative and ensured that the president’s public messaging aligned with diplomatic efforts already underway.
Observers note that this type of direct, handwritten communication between high-ranking officials and the president is uncommon in today’s digitized political environment. Typically, internal communications, drafts, and approvals are handled electronically. The use of a handwritten note underscores the urgency and personal attention that Trump’s team placed on the announcement.
The timing of the note also reveals how sensitive political and diplomatic communications can intersect with social media strategy. Truth Social, Trump’s own platform, serves as a primary outlet for his public statements, including international news and policy updates. By signaling the need to approve the post, Rubio ensured that the president’s message was both timely and accurate, preventing premature dissemination that could affect ongoing negotiations.
In summary, the zoomed-in image of Marco Rubio’s note offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of diplomacy, executive decision-making, and social media management. It highlights how even seemingly minor internal communications can have significant implications for both public messaging and international relations.
The event also underscores Trump’s approach to social media as an extension of his presidency, requiring coordination, approval, and timing to maximize impact. By bridging direct internal communications with rapid public dissemination, the administration demonstrates the ongoing evolution of presidential messaging in the digital age.
As the world continues to follow developments in the Middle East peace process, this behind-the-scenes moment serves as a reminder of the meticulous coordination required to announce historic agreements, manage public perception, and maintain credibility on the global stage.
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
