The State Department rejected reports that Secretary of State Marco Rubio may leave President Donald Trump’s administration, while outlets linked the speculation to the midterms and a possible 2028 presidential bid.
Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, told Bloomberg that Rubio had not discussed leaving. Johnson called the reporting “complete and total fake news,” referring to its reliance on anonymous sources.
Bloomberg reported that Rubio and his advisers were considering their options, but had made no decision and set no timetable. The outlet also reported that Rubio had spoken with White House officials about stepping down, a claim Johnson disputed.
The Independent reported Thursday, Nov. 5, that anonymous U.S. Republican and UK government sources expected Rubio to leave. The outlet said those sources viewed him as a leading contender for the 2028 Republican nomination. They also linked a possible departure to a presidential bid and to Rubio distancing himself from the Iran war.
In a translated interview published by the State Department on Sept. 8, Rubio said he was “not a candidate for anything right now” and had “no plans at this time” regarding 2028.
The reports followed Associated Press calls of Democratic control of the Senate at 11:36 p.m. ET Nov. 3 and the House at 1:24 a.m. ET Nov. 4. The calls were AP’s election projections, not final federal certification.
