Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump over the Iran war decision and pushed back against reports that he could leave the Trump administration.
On Thursday, in an interview at his White House office with the New York Times, Rubio defended Trump’s wartime decisions, acknowledging that rising gasoline prices could create political difficulties while arguing the president deserved “tremendous amount of credit” for taking necessary action.
He said leadership sometimes requires officials to make tough decisions when they believe those choices serve the country’s long-term interests.
“Ultimately, that is the price of leadership — is the willingness to do things that may not be politically popular or expedient but are necessary for your country and its long-term future,” he said.
Rubio, who also serves as Trump’s national security adviser, rejected reports that he was considering departing. He said remaining with Trump through the administration’s term has “always been my plan.”
The State Secretary also declined to answer whether he might run for president in 2028. “I literally will not talk about 2028 anymore,” Rubio said.
Rubio Faces Exit Speculation after GOP Losses
Rubio’s comments followed reports that he was on “resignation watch” after the Republican Party’s midterm losses. The Independent reported he could seek distance from Trump while preparing for a potential 2028 campaign, with Vice President JD Vance emerging as his main rival. Senior U.S. and U.K. officials had suggested Rubio planned to leave the Trump administration even before Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress in the midterms.
Meanwhile, Vance blamed the Iran conflict and rising living costs for the GOP’s poor midterm performance. In a post-midterm address, Vance called for an “honest conversation” and a reset of Republican priorities ahead of 2028. He identified four priorities to help Republicans regain voter support: ending the war, tackling inflation and living costs, putting America first, and changing U.S. policy toward Israel.
Meanwhile, Trump is weighing a return to major military strikes against Iran, continued economic pressure on Tehran, or a negotiated settlement following the Republican Party’s sweeping midterm losses. Trump said he would soon decide whether to escalate military operations to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and prevent its reconstruction.
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