By Basant El-Faramawy
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is facing mounting speculation that he will resign from the Trump administration following disastrous midterm election results that saw Republicans lose control of both the House and Senate.
Midterm Defeat Triggers Speculation
Senior Republican sources in Washington and UK government officials say Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, is preparing a 2028 presidential bid and may step down to distance himself from the administration's unpopular policies, particularly the war in Iran.
Rubio's Presidential Ambitions
Insiders describe Rubio as the leading Republican nominee contender, ahead of Vice President J.D. Vance. Allies argue he cannot run while tied to the administration, and that staying would harm his prospects.
Administration Infighting
Vance publicly blamed the Iran war for the midterm losses, while Trump may scapegoat Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Rubio, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Republicans fear impeachment efforts once Democrats control Congress.
UK and Republican Sources
UK officials, including Foreign Secretaries David Lammy, Yvette Cooper, and Ed Miliband, view Rubio as a strong presidential candidate and expect him to leave. Cooper reportedly regards him as "brilliantly intelligent."
Rubio's Role in Administration
Rubio has held multiple senior posts since February 2025, including acting archivist, USAID head, and national security adviser. However, he has been sidelined on key foreign policy matters in favor of Trump envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Denials from White House and State Department
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle and State Department assistant secretary Dylan Johnson dismissed the reports as "baseless conspiracy theories" and "fake news," insisting the team remains united.
