TRUMP ADMINISTRATION REJECTS CLAIMS OF MARCO RUBIO DEPARTURE

Donald Trump's administration has rejected claims that Marco Rubio discussed leaving his posts as secretary of state and acting national security adviser. State Department Assistant Secretary for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said Rubio had not discussed leaving and would continue serving in the administration. Johnson called the departure claims a “completely fabricated hoax”. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle described claims about Trump and his administration as “baseless, false conspiracy theories”.

People familiar with the discussions gave a different account, saying Rubio had spoken with White House officials about potentially stepping down. They said Rubio and his advisers were reviewing his future options. Those accounts specified that he had made no decision and set no timetable for departure. They also said officials had asked Rubio to remain in his post.

Republican figures in Washington linked the departure claims to a possible Rubio presidential campaign in 2028. Republican figures and UK officials also described Rubio as taking a quieter role on Iran, while one Washington insider linked his political prospects to distancing himself from the Iran war. Accounts differ on whether Rubio has publicly rejected the departure claims. One account also attributes to Rubio a commitment to support Vice President JD Vance.