Rubio: I will serve until 2029

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will remain in his post through the end of President Donald Trump's current term, a plan he described as consistent with his original intentions. Speaking to The New York Times on Thursday, Rubio directly addressed rumors that he was preparing to resign following recent electoral results. He stated that his objective is to work alongside the president until the conclusion of the current administration.

Rubio also serves as national security adviser, a dual role that places him at the center of strategic planning. Despite widespread speculation about his potential candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, he chose to limit his comments on long-term political goals during the interview. When asked directly about his future, Rubio said he literally will not talk about 2028 anymore, signaling a focus on current duties rather than upcoming campaigns.

Reports of a possible departure emerged earlier this week when Bloomberg News detailed discussions between Rubio and White House officials. The outlet reported that the Secretary was weighing a decision to step down from his cabinet position. According to the report, he was subsequently asked to remain in his role to help guide the administration's next steps following recent political shifts.

The State Department responded sharply to the media coverage. Dylan Johnson, the Assistant Secretary of State for global public affairs, characterized the Bloomberg article as totally made up. He extended the criticism to a separate report from The Independent, which suggested Rubio was preparing a bid for the 2028 Republican nomination. Johnson called that piece completely baseless fake news.

Rubio's clarification comes shortly after Tuesday's midterm elections. In a rare move, he appeared on the campaign trail alongside the President just before the vote. He stepped up to the podium at a rally to address the crowd, a moment that fueled speculation about his standing within the party. His presence reinforced perceptions of his influence within the administration despite the election outcomes.

The Secretary has previously expressed support for Vice President JD Vance if the Vice President decides to run for president in 2028. Vance is also considered a leading candidate in the upcoming race, creating a dynamic where both figures are managing their paths toward the next term. Rubio's insistence on staying through the end of the term aims to stabilize expectations within the Republican base.

The exchange between the State Department and news outlets reflects the scrutiny facing senior officials during this political transition. By directly addressing the reports, Rubio and his team aim to reduce speculation about internal dynamics. His decision to stay for the remainder of the term provides continuity, even as questions about the 2028 cycle continue to dominate political discourse.