(CNN) — President Donald Trump had been sitting in the State Dining Room for an hour and twenty-two minutes Wednesday, listening patiently as a panel of right-wing influencers recounted various tales of violence at the hands of Antifa , when an unexpected visitor arrived at the door.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stepping into the room from the Cross Hall, whispered a few words to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles before Trump asked him the question he’d spent the last hour or so quietly wondering: “Any news from the Middle East?”

Indeed there was, Rubio told him. But he would have to wait to deliver it until reporters had departed.

Trump didn’t seem in any particular hurry. As he called on the next participant to speak, a visibly anxious Rubio grabbed a notepad and pen to scr

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