Marco Rubio warns top staff against conflicts of interest as he tightens control of state department after midterms: report

Marco Rubio has tightened his oversight of the US State Department, warning senior officials to avoid conflicts of interest and stay within their responsibilities. The move follows concerns raised by reports about former ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle and comes as Republican leaders respond to midterm losses and the start of early manoeuvring for the 2028 presidential race.

At a meeting last week, Rubio reportedly said unethical conduct would lead to dismissal, regardless of an official’s connections, and that significant decisions needed his or Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau’s approval. The department’s policy chief, Jeremy Lewin, left soon afterwards, though he and the department said his departure was planned; sources cited concerns about his coordination, not ethical misconduct. Rubio’s office has also been required to approve political staff’s overseas travel.