Rubio Tightens Control at State Department as Republicans Eye 2028

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has tightened control over the State Department, warning senior officials to stay in their lanes and avoid conflicts of interest, according to four sources familiar with a recent meeting. Rubio told assistant secretaries that unethical behavior would result in firing regardless of connections, and that significant decisions require his or Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau's signoff. The meeting followed Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle's resignation over access-selling allegations, which she denies. Policy chief Jeremy Lewin was forced out soon after, though he denies being fired. Rubio also restricted political staff travel. The moves come as Republicans distance themselves from the Trump administration following Democratic midterm wins, with 2028 presidential positioning already underway.