Why Marco Rubio covers his head with blanket while napping on Air Force One

Secretary of State Marco Rubio takes his routine naps while travelling with Donald Trump on Air Force One, but he ensures the US President doesn't catch him doing that.

The reason, he explained, is simple:

Trump does not nap during flights and is known to walk through the cabin without much notice.

Rubio shared the details in an interview with New York Magazine, describing the setup inside the aircraft.

“There’s an office with two couches,” Rubio said. “I cocoon myself in a blanket. I cover my head. I look like a mummy.”

He said the effort is deliberate.Trump, according to Rubio, tends to stay awake and may move through the plane during the flight. Rubio said he prefers that the President assume it is a staff member resting, rather than see the Secretary of State asleep.

“I don't want him to see his Secretary of State sleeping on a couch and think, Oh, this guy is weak," he told the outlet.

The flights in question are often long-haul international trips, where schedules shift across time zones and meetings begin soon after landing. Rubio indicated that rest becomes necessary, even if it means taking steps to avoid being noticed.

Trump’s habit of staying awake on long flights

Trump’s ability to stay awake during travel has been noted before. During his first term, he was known for late-night social media activity, often posting in the early hours. That pattern, while less frequent, has continued into his second term, with messages appearing on his Truth Social platform.

Air Force One functions as both transport and workspace - with offices, meeting areas, and seating for senior officials and staff.