Trump supported Marco Rubio's continuation as Secretary of State and praised his management

President Donald Trump expressed his support for the continuity of Marco Rubio at the head of the State Department and assured that the official is performing an outstanding management, amid rumors about a possible exit from the government to prepare a Republican presidential candidacy in 2028.

During an interview with CBS's ''60 Minutes'' program, aired on Sunday, Trump was asked whether Rubio would remain in his position. The president's response was affirmative, although he did not present it as a definitive decision.

''I think so,'' Trump replied. ''I mean, he certainly loves it and he's doing very well. He's doing a fantastic job.''

Rubio, 55, has held the position of Secretary of State since January 21, 2025, one day after the start of Trump's second presidential term. His permanence represents a fundamental piece of the diplomatic structure of the Republican administration, which has placed foreign policy and national security among its main priorities.

The president's statements also seek to end speculation about a possible exit of Rubio, who could become one of the main Republican contenders to succeed Trump when his second term ends.

The State Department had already rejected earlier in November a report indicating that the secretary was preparing his resignation to focus on a possible presidential candidacy.

Dylan Johnson, Under Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs, called that version completely unfounded.

''This is completely unfounded fake news, based on invented anonymous sources,'' he wrote in a social media post.

Rubio was a federal senator from Florida and participated in the 2016 Republican primaries, when he competed for the presidential nomination that Trump ultimately obtained. His legislative experience, knowledge of international affairs, and participation in the current administration keep him among the Republican figures with the greatest national projection.

The Constitution of the United States prevents a president from being elected for more than two terms. For that reason, speculation about who could represent the Republican Party in 2028 has begun to gain strength, even within the government itself.

In the interview, Trump acknowledged that he would likely support a Republican candidate, although he clarified that he has not yet decided whether he will intervene directly in the race.

''We have an extraordinary team. I mean, I have a lot of people with whom I have excellent relationships,'' he stated.

When asked who might be on that list, besides Vice President JD Vance, Trump mentioned Rubio, which led the journalist to specifically ask him if the Secretary of State would continue in his position.

The president also noted that there are other possible candidates, including several senators whom he considers excellent, although he preferred not to reveal their names.

''Maybe I'll participate or maybe not. I don't know. Maybe it's better if I don't get involved,'' he added.

Marco Rubio defends the offensive against Iran

As speculation about his political future continues, Rubio also defended Trump's strategy against Iran and stated that the decision to confront the Iranian regime militarily responded to a real threat to international security.

The Secretary of State avoided directly commenting on the Republican defeats in the midterm elections, but rejected that the war against Iran should be interpreted solely from its possible electoral consequences.

Trump and Vance had acknowledged that the conflict could have influenced the electoral results. However, Rubio insisted that the president's priority was to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a goal he considers fundamental for the security of the United States.

''He identified a very real threat and acted on it,'' Rubio stated before traveling from Florida to a meeting of foreign ministers in France.

The official defended the presidential decision to face a complex challenge, even when doing so may be unpopular among certain sectors of the electorate.

''Often, doing what is right for the country and facing difficult challenges for our security is not necessarily popular, but it is necessary,'' he stated.

Rubio recalled that there was previously bipartisan recognition in Washington about the dangers of allowing Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.

''A nuclear Iran would be completely unacceptable and dangerous for the United States, not only for Israel or the Middle East, but for the whole world and for the United States,'' he affirmed.

Open diplomacy, but without concessions to Tehran

Despite supporting the offensive, Rubio assured that Trump continues to prefer a diplomatic solution to the conflict, as long as there is a realistic possibility of achieving it. The secretary acknowledged that direct talks between Washington and Tehran have not produced significant advances since the last negotiations held earlier this year.

''I wouldn't say we're on the verge of a breakthrough,'' he noted.

He also explained that the administration is willing to explore any opportunity for dialogue, although he warned that Iranian demands considerably hinder negotiations. According to Rubio, some of the conditions set by Tehran are unacceptable, exaggerated, and far from any realistic agreement.

His statements reflect the Trump administration's stance: maintain pressure on Iran to prevent it from achieving military nuclear capabilities, without closing the door to a negotiated exit.