Rubio Warns Aides Against Conflicts of Interest as Republicans Eye 2028

Four sources told Reuters that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken steps to tighten oversight within the State Department, instructing senior officials to ensure employees stay within their areas of expertise and avoid any actions that could raise conflicts of interest.

Rubio's message, delivered last week before the Republican Party suffered losses in Tuesday's elections, came at a time when several prominent party leaders are trying to distance themselves from the administration of US President Donald Trump, whose popularity is declining.

The meeting took place following the resignation of US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle in mid-October, after media reports stated she had received money, gifts, and benefits in exchange for providing access to Trump administration officials.

Guilfoyle described those reports as "false" and said in a social media post that she would defend her reputation.

One source said Rubio emphasized during the meeting, which included a large number of his approximately 24 aides, that any unethical behavior would result in termination regardless of an official's influence or connections.

According to sources who requested anonymity, he added that many officials were making decisions or pushing political agendas without sufficient coordination, noting that important decisions require his approval or that of his deputy, Christopher Landau. Details of the meeting had not been previously reported.

Three sources said Jeremy Lewin, the department's policy official, was forced to leave his position shortly after the meeting, partly due to concerns that he was working on files outside his scope without proper coordination, while the precise details of these concerns remain unclear.

None of the speakers mentioned to Reuters that Lewin's departure was linked to any ethical violations. Lewin joined the government through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency and contributed to dismantling the United States Agency for International Development, which oversaw foreign aid.