Will Rubio leave the Trump administration after wiping out the midterms? Here’s what we know | Today’s news

Days after Republicans led by US President Donald Trump suffered a major setback in the midterm elections, media reports suggested that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was considering leaving the Trump administration as he considered his next steps.

A Bloomberg report (local time) on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter, said Rubio and his advisers were considering options for his future. The report added that he had not decided whether to step down as the country’s top diplomat and national security adviser, and that there was no timetable for his eventual departure.

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Will Rubio leave the Trump administration? What we know

Rubio reportedly discussed the possibility of stepping down with White House officials, who recommended he stay on. However, the Foreign Office denied that he was considering resigning.

While the White House would not comment on speculation surrounding Rubio’s possible departure, Dylan Johnson, the assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, said: “This is a complete and total fake report based on the words of anonymous sources, fit for a tabloid.” He added: “The secretary has not discussed leaving his role and will continue to proudly serve in President Trump’s administration long after this fake news is exposed as another baseless hoax.

Why might Rubio be considering leaving?

According to the report, cabinet members and senior aides often consider leaving an administration as its term draws to a close, especially after a significant setback in the midterm elections, such as the one suffered by Republicans this week.

If Rubio steps down before January, Trump would have an opportunity to name his successor before Democrats take control of the Senate.

Once Democrats take control of Congress, they plan to investigate a number of White House initiatives, including those in which the secretary of state was directly involved, such as attacks on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and the government’s Venezuelan policies. Any nominee Trump nominates to replace Rubio is likely to face increased scrutiny.

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Is Rubio Seeking Distance from the US-Iran War?

One question is whether stepping down would allow Rubio to distance himself from the U.S.-Iran war, which has reportedly contributed to voter discontent ahead of the midterm elections.

The secretary of state defended the administration’s decision to launch strikes against Tehran, although he also sought to distance himself from the conflict.

Is Rubio Eyeing a 2028 Presidential Bid?

Rubio, a former senator from Florida who once challenged Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, has since become one of the US president’s most trusted aides. He and Vice President JD Vance have often been mentioned as potential contenders to succeed Trump as leader of the Republican Party and seek its 2028 presidential nomination.

Bloomberg added that those familiar with the matter believe Rubio could return to the private sector and consider a presidential bid after the 2028 U.S. presidential election.

People close to Rubio have suggested he might prefer to avoid a potentially divisive contest within the Republican Party to name Trump’s successor, especially if Vance enters the race.

Unlike several other members of Trump’s cabinet, Rubio has spent decades in public service, earning a government salary and not amassing significant wealth. He has also repeatedly endorsed Vance as the party’s strongest potential nominee, avoiding questions about his own political ambitions.

During his 2016 campaign, Rubio jokingly floated the idea of ​​one day taking over as commissioner of the National Football League (NFL). However, current commissioner Roger Goodell’s contract runs through 2031.

What did Rubio say?

According to The New York Times, Rubio dismissed reports suggesting he was considering leaving the Trump administration, saying that working for President Trump until the end of his term was “always my plan.”

Rubio went on to say, “I don’t know where these things come from, to be honest with you.” He added: “I love the job I do,” noting: “And I always laugh when they say she’s going to quit her job. I’m like, what kind of job?”