US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on a podcast that he does not generally enjoy country music, describing it as too sad and relying on stereotypes about its subject matter. He said, however, that he likes EDM remixes using country music, including a version of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire”, prompting criticism and mockery in Rolling Stone’s commentary.

Rubio made the remarks on The Katie Miller Podcast, alongside his wife Jeanette, who suggested he try listening to Morgan Wallen. He also said EDM appeals to him because it combines classical and country music, named Tupac Shakur as his favourite rapper, and has previously spoken publicly about liking EDM; the article notes that he DJed Calvin Harris’s “Feel So Close” at a wedding in May.