Rubio and Hegseth stay in Trump cabinet despite Republican midterm losses

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied reports he plans to leave the Trump administration after Republican midterm setbacks, stating that completing President Donald Trump's second term has "always been my plan." He dismissed speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run. Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, declined to discuss future ambitions but reiterated support for Vice President JD Vance as a potential 2028 candidate. He acknowledged the Iran war's political impact, including higher gas prices, while defending Trump's decisions as necessary leadership despite unpopularity. The White House and State Department rejected exit rumors as fabricated, also denying reports about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's departure. Republican Representative Thomas Massie plans to pursue impeachment against Hegseth, who dismissed the effort as politically motivated.