U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio is reportedly being watched for a potential resignation from the President Donald Trump administration following the 2026 midterm elections. Sources told The Independent that Rubio may step down to prepare for a 2028 presidential campaign, with some allies suggesting he needs to distance himself from the administration's handling of the war in Iran. The reports come after Republicans lost control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the elections.
The midterms saw Democrats winning seats in Republican strongholds such as Texas and Kansas. Rubio, who serves simultaneously as Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, is one of up to five cabinet members described by party sources as potentially leaving the administration. While Rubio told reporters in September he had "no plans at this time" for a White House bid, some sources expect him to run, while others suggest he might stay to project stability or oversee policy toward Cuba.
Internal administration dynamics have highlighted potential friction following the losses. Vice President JD Vance publicly attributed the midterm results to the war in Iran. Sources suggested the President might shift blame to Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, or Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Additionally, the source notes that while Rubio oversees foreign policy, he has reportedly been sidelined on Middle East and Ukraine matters in favor of special envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The potential resignation of the nation’s top diplomat and national security adviser would affect the State Department and the National Security Council, as well as international allies. Senior UK government officials noted that Rubio has been a primary point of contact for foreign ministers, including David Lammy, Yvette Cooper, and Ed Miliband.
With Democrats set to take control of the House and Senate in January 2027, the administration faces a new environment of legislative oversight and potential impeachment proceedings. The midterm results were reportedly influenced by the war in Iran and rising gasoline prices.
If Rubio resigns to pursue the 2028 Republican nomination, sources identify him and Vice President Vance as the early leading contenders. The White House and State Department have denied the reports of a planned exit, with spokespeople characterizing the claims as baseless and "fake news."