Amid swirling speculation about his political future, the nation’s top diplomat got a public show of support from his boss. The president made clear he wants his secretary of state to stay put.
President Donald Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to remain in his job, in an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes that aired Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.
What did Trump say about Marco Rubio?
Asked whether Rubio would stay, Trump said he thinks so. He said Rubio loves the job and is doing great, calling his work fantastic. The remarks were a clear endorsement from a president known for frequent changes in his cabinet.
The comments come as Marco Rubio plays a central role in some of the administration’s most sensitive diplomatic efforts, including talks to end the war with Iran. He has represented the United States in meetings with world leaders on several crises.
Was Marco Rubio planning to leave?
Earlier this month, the State Department rejected a report that Rubio was expected to step down and launch a campaign for president in 2028. The report cited anonymous sources and suggested he could leave the administration to prepare for a run.
A State Department spokesperson called the report completely baseless fake news based on invented anonymous sources. The department’s response was unusually forceful.
Marco Rubio has previously praised Vice President JD Vance as a strong potential nominee in 2028, and has said he would support him if Vance runs, according to past interviews. Vance is widely seen as an early favorite for the Republican nomination.
How long has Rubio served?
Marco Rubio, 55, became secretary of state on Jan. 21, 2025, one day after Trump began his second term. During Trump’s first term, two secretaries of state confirmed by the Senate held the job. Before that, he served 14 years in the Senate.
Those were Rex Tillerson and Mike Pompeo. Tillerson was fired in 2018 after clashing with the president. Pompeo served the rest of the term.
Rubio has also served as Trump’s national security adviser, giving him an unusually large role in shaping foreign policy. Holding both posts made him one of the most influential members of the cabinet.
What is on Marco Rubio’s plate?
The secretary has been deeply involved in efforts to end the conflict with Iran. Trump is meeting Monday with Qatar’s prime minister, a key mediator in those talks. Trump has said he would prefer a negotiated agreement to more military action.
Rubio also oversaw the drafting of a classified memo this spring warning officials about Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s ties to a woman suspected of working for Chinese intelligence, according to The New York Times. Nvidia has opened an independent investigation into those reports.
He has also handled relationships with allies in Europe and Asia and efforts to end the war in Ukraine. His workload reflects how much the administration relies on him.
Why does Rubio’s future matter?
A secretary of state’s departure in the middle of a term can disrupt diplomacy, especially during a war and major negotiations. Allies and rivals alike watch closely for signs of change at the State Department.
Rubio, a former senator from Florida, ran for president in 2016. Many political observers see him as a possible candidate in the future. He finished behind Trump in that Republican primary race and later became one of his closest allies.
For now, Trump’s comments suggest Marco Rubio will remain at the center of his foreign policy team through the final two years of the term. Whether that changes as the 2028 race heats up remains to be seen.
