Rumors are swirling about Marco Rubio, the current Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, possibly stepping down following the Republican Party's poor performance in the midterm elections. According to an exclusive report by The Independent, anonymous sources within the Republican Party and the UK government suggest that Rubio is contemplating leaving Donald Trump's administration to pursue a presidential run in 2028.
The backdrop to this speculation is Tuesday's significant electoral losses for the Republicans, as the Democrats regained control of both the House and the Senate. Notably, they secured long-standing Republican strongholds like Texas—marking the first Democratic win there since 1988—and Kansas. Projections from NBC News estimated the Democrats would hold about 244 seats in the House.
The State Department has strongly refuted these claims. Dylan Johnson, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs, dismissed the report as "completely unfounded fake news based on fabricated anonymous sources." Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle also rejected the assertions as "false and baseless conspiracy theories," emphasizing the unity within Trump's team.
Political Maneuvering and Future Aspirations
According to The Independent, Rubio is currently seen as the leading Republican contender for 2028, ahead of Vice President JD Vance. One ally of the Secretary of State bluntly stated, "Rubio can't run while serving as Secretary of State, and being tied to the administration will only hurt his chances anyway."
A source from Washington D.C. suggested that Rubio needs to "distance himself from the war with Iran and pin it on Trump," referring to the conflict identified by numerous analysts and Vance himself as a key factor in the Republican downfall. Vance was clear after the results were announced: "The reason we lost is obvious to almost everyone... The reason we lost is the war."
A senior UK government official also shared with The Independent: "It seems unlikely he'll stay. He would be a strong presidential candidate, and we expect him to run."
Potential Changes Within the Administration
The report also mentions that Rubio might not be the only one considering departure; as many as four or five cabinet members could leave the administration. A Republican source warned that with Democrats in control of both chambers, "we're only going to see impeachment attempts, and nobody wants to stick around for that."
Rubio is uniquely positioned, holding both the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor roles simultaneously, a feat only previously achieved by Henry Kissinger. Despite this prominent position, the British outlet notes that he has taken a less visible role in the Iran conflict, overshadowed by special envoys like Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Cuba's Influence on Rubio's Decision
The article introduces Cuba as a potential reason for Rubio's delayed exit. A seasoned political operative with deep ties in Florida told The Independent that it wouldn’t be surprising if Rubio left the administration, but he might stay if it means he could play a part in overseeing the fall of the Cuban regime. This assessment reflects the operator's view and not any publicly stated intent by Rubio.
In an attempt to quell speculation, Rubio himself commented in September to RCN: "I don't know what the future holds, but I have no plans at this moment." That same month, a source close to him told NBC News that he might show interest in a run in 2032 or 2036, rather than in 2028.
The rivalry between Rubio and Vance for Trump's succession in 2028 has been a central topic within the Republican debate for months. A CPAC poll conducted in March 2026 showed Vance with 53% support compared to 35% for Rubio among the party's base, although Rubio enjoys greater backing from major donors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marco Rubio's Political Future
What prompted speculation about Marco Rubio's resignation?
Speculation arose following the Republican Party's poor performance in the recent midterm elections, leading to rumors of Rubio considering a 2028 presidential run.
How has the State Department responded to these claims?
The State Department has strongly denied the claims, labeling them as unfounded and based on fabricated sources.
Why might Rubio consider leaving the administration?
Sources suggest that remaining in the administration could harm his chances for a successful presidential bid in 2028.
What role does Cuba play in Rubio's decision-making?
Cuba could influence Rubio's decision if staying allows him to contribute to the oversight of the regime's potential downfall.