Rubio warns top staff against conflicts of interest as Republicans look to 2028

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned senior State Department officials against conflicts of interest and unauthorized policy work in a recent meeting, following the resignation of Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle over access-selling allegations. Policy chief Jeremy Lewin was forced out for 'freelancing.' The 2028 presidential race is beginning as Republicans assess midterm losses.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has tightened control over the State Department, warning senior officials in a recent meeting to avoid conflicts of interest and unauthorized policy work. The meeting, held before the Republican Party's electoral losses in the November 2026 midterms, followed the resignation of US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle in mid-October after reports that she sold access to Trump administration officials. Guilfoyle has denied the allegations. Rubio told roughly two dozen assistant secretaries that unethical behavior would result in firing regardless of connections. He also said too many officials were making decisions without coordination and that significant decisions required his or Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau's sign-off. Soon after, policy chief Jeremy Lewin was forced out for 'freelancing' and going against directives, though he denies being fired. Rubio also required his office to approve all political travel. The 2028 presidential race is beginning, with Vice President JD Vance and Senator Ted Cruz offering post-election statements. Rubio has not ruled out a run.