Secretary of State Rejects Resignation Reports, Refuses to Discuss 2028 Presidential Run

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly denied reports that he is preparing to leave President Donald Trump’s administration following the Republican Party’s midterm election defeat, declaring that he intends to remain in his position until the president completes his term in office.

Speaking to The New York Times on Thursday, Rubio dismissed speculation that he was considering stepping down to position himself for a possible presidential campaign in 2028. Remaining in the administration until the end of Trump’s presidency had “always been my plan,” he said.

“I don’t know where these things come from, to be honest with you,” Rubio said when questioned about reports that his departure could be imminent.

“I love the work I’m doing,” he continued. “And plus I always laugh when they say he’s going to leave his job. I go, ‘Which one?’”

The British newspaper, citing senior Republican figures in Washington and government officials in London, reported that Rubio’s departure was becoming increasingly likely following the Democratic Party’s capture of both chambers of Congress.

Rubio, however, rejected attempts to draw him into a discussion about his political ambitions beyond the Trump administration.

“I literally will not talk about 2028 anymore,” he told The New York Times during an interview conducted in his White House office. “I just won’t do it.”

The secretary of state was also pressed about Vice President JD Vance’s explanation for the Republican Party’s disappointing election performance, particularly his contention that the administration’s war with Iran had contributed significantly to the losses.

In a lengthy social media statement Wednesday, Vance argued that dissatisfaction over the Iran conflict, economic concerns, and the administration’s relationship with Israel had influenced voters who previously supported Trump but backed Democrats in the midterms.

Asked whether he agreed with the vice president’s assessment, Rubio initially declined to weigh in on the political fallout, explaining that he was not “really involved in domestic politics.”

He nevertheless offered a strong defense of Trump’s leadership, saying the president “deserves a tremendous amount of credit” for making difficult decisions that he believes serve the country’s interests, even when those decisions carry political risks.

“Ultimately, that is the price of leadership – is the willingness to do things that may not be politically popular or expedient but are necessary for your country and its long-term future,” Rubio said.

The resignation rumors prompted unusually forceful denials from administration officials. The State Department rejected the reports as fabricated, while the White House insisted that Trump’s senior advisers remained united behind his agenda.

Bloomberg also reported Thursday that Rubio and his advisers had discussed his political future following the elections, citing people familiar with those conversations. According to the report, Rubio had not reached a decision about leaving and no departure timetable had been established.

Rubio is widely regarded as a possible contender for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, alongside Vice President Vance. He has previously indicated that he would support Vance if the vice president decided to seek the nomination.

Rubio’s prominence in the administration has been enhanced by his unusual combination of responsibilities as secretary of state and national security adviser, giving him considerable influence over American foreign policy. He also joined Trump at a campaign rally in Kansas on Sunday, just two days before the elections.

The secretary of state is scheduled to address the Federalist Society’s National Lawyers Convention next week, providing another opportunity for public remarks as speculation about his political future continues.