Rubio could quit Trump administration for 2028 presidential bid - report
A person described as close to Rubio told The Independent that leaving the administration would give him greater freedom to develop a presidential campaign
US Secretary of State Rubio could resign from Donald Trump’s administration to pursue the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, The Independent reported Thursday, as the party confronts the fallout from its midterm election defeat.
The newspaper cited Republican sources and senior British government figures who had anticipated a possible departure even before the elections. The Republican losses have strengthened those expectations, according to the report.
Vice President JD Vance is viewed as Rubio’s principal potential rival in a contest to succeed Trump.
One source told the newspaper that Rubio needed to distance himself from the war in Iran and leave Trump to bear political responsibility for the conflict.
A person described as close to Rubio argued that leaving the administration would give him greater freedom to develop a presidential campaign and establish an identity separate from Trump. The source characterized Rubio as the Republican frontrunner and said continued association with the administration could damage his prospects. That assessment reflects the source’s view rather than an established ranking of the potential candidates.
A departure could give Rubio more time to build a campaign organization, court donors and travel to states that hold early nominating contests. It would also allow him to articulate his own positions outside his role as the administration’s chief diplomat.