Rubio ‘laughs off’ reports he may quit Trump admin: ‘I don’t know where these things come from’

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, November 5, rejected reports that he was preparing to leave President Donald Trump’s administration following the Republican Party’s losses in the midterm elections.

Rubio told The New York Times that remaining in the administration for the duration of Trump’s second term had "always been my plan," dismissing speculation that he could resign to pursue a 2028 presidential campaign.

The White House and the State Department also denied the reports as speculation over possible changes to Trump’s Cabinet grew following the election results.

Marco Rubio rejects Trump administration resignation reports

When asked by the outlet about reports that he was considering leaving his post, Rubio said, “I don't know where these things come from, to be honest with you. I love the work I'm doing. And plus I always laugh when they say he's going to leave his job. I go, 'Which one?'"

The Republican also declined to discuss whether he intended to run for president in 2028, saying that "I literally will not talk about 2028 anymore. I just won't do it."

Rubio issued the clarification after a report by The Independent alleged that he was preparing to resign from Trump's Cabinet to launch a presidential campaign.

The report, citing sources in Washington and the UK government, said he could seek to distance himself from controversial administration policies, including the war with Iran, before entering the Republican presidential race.

The White House and the State Department rejected the claims.

White House spokesperson Beni Rae Harmony described the report as false, saying that "This fake news is nothing more than a fabricated hoax being peddled by anonymous sources with no factual information," and added, "Secretary Rubio is a fearless fighter for President Trump and the MAGA movement."

Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson also called the report "completely baseless fake news from made-up anonymous ‘sources.'"

Rubio, who challenged Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, has been mentioned as a potential contender for the party's 2028 nomination.

However, reports have also highlighted his continued role in the administration and his foreign policy priorities, including his long-standing focus on Cuba.

Pete Hegseth faces impeachment calls after GOP midterm losses

The reports about Rubio surfaced amid speculation over a possible post-election shake-up in Trump's national security team, particularly involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Hegseth has faced criticism over his handling of the Iran war, which Trump and Vice President JD Vance have acknowledged affected Republican performance in the midterms.

Trump said he had received "calls about" Hegseth but had "every intention" of keeping him.

He later told reporters that "Pete Hegseth has done a fantastic job," citing what he described as the administration's achievements, including the Iran war and the January arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Hegseth, meanwhile, defended his record in a video statement and criticized efforts to impeach him. "You see, they attack me. They attack us because we are effective," he said. "It's not going to work. We will not back down."

Republican Representative Thomas Massie has said he intends to advance an impeachment resolution against Hegseth early next week.

Massie also urged Trump to replace the defense secretary before Democrats take control of Congress in January, writing on X that "He should do it while he can still get the replacements confirmed in the Senate."