In brief

• Marco Rubio is reportedly considering leaving the Trump administration to prepare a 2028 presidential run.
• Sources cited by The Independent name Vice President JD Vance as his main Republican rival.
• The reported move follows Democratic gains in the November 4, 2026 midterms, which gave Democrats 54 Senate seats and 228 House seats.

Rubio weighs exit from Trump administration

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is considering leaving the Trump administration to prepare for a run for the presidency in 2028, according to The Independent, which cited influential sources in the United States and in the British government (Марка Рубіа можа пайсці ў адстаўку, каб рыхтавацца да прэзідэнцкай кампаніі – Nasza Niwa) (ЗМІ: Рубіо може піти у відставку, щоб готуватися до виборів президента США у 2028 році – Українська правда). The report says the move could come after Republicans suffered losses in the midterm congressional elections.

Distancing from the Iran war

According to the report, Rubio could try to distance himself from the administration's policies, including the war with Iran, to improve his standing as a potential Republican nominee. One Washington insider told the newspaper that Rubio needs to separate himself from the conflict and shift responsibility for it onto Trump.

Vance seen as main rival

Sources cited by the outlet regard Vice President JD Vance as Rubio's main competitor for the Republican nomination (Рубіо може піти у відставку, аби боротися за посаду президента США, - The Independent – Espreso). A person close to Rubio told The Independent that a resignation would be logical for him, that he currently leads the field among potential Republican candidates, and that he cannot run while he remains secretary of state.

Five cabinet members may leave

The Independent reported that Rubio is one of five members of Trump's current cabinet who are expected to step down after the Republican defeat in the midterms.

Midterm results

In the November 4, 2026 vote, the Democratic Party won a majority in both chambers of Congress. Democrats took 228 seats in the House of Representatives, above the 218 needed for control. In the Senate, Democrats will hold 54 seats and Republicans 44 («Спасаться бегством». Рубио уйдет из администрации Трампа, чтобы конкурировать с Вэнсом на выборах президента США — The Independent – NV). Trump acknowledged the outcome and said he was prepared to cooperate with Democrats, while signaling he would not back decisions that run counter to his positions.

Rubio's dual role

Rubio also serves as national security adviser at the White House, and sources say he is preparing to compete for the Republican candidacy in November 2028. Reporting of the plan remains based on anonymous and unnamed sources; no official announcement has been made.

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