White House denies Hegseth and Rubio to leave jobs after Republican election losses

Meanwhile, Rubio is denying reports he is considering leaving his post ahead of a 2028 presidential run.

Working for Trump until the end of his term has "always been my plan," Rubio told The New York Times in an interview.

"I love the work I'm doing," Rubio said. "And plus I always laugh when they say he's going to leave his job. I go, 'Which one?'"

Both the White House and US State Department also shut down reports that Rubio might be leaving after this week's midterm losses, with both calling it "fake news".

The defence secretary, though, faces a more uncertain political future.