Kristi Noem is departing from the Department of Homeland Security, and Pam Bondi is also leaving her position at the Justice Department.
It’s not uncommon for a president to make significant changes in their cabinet leading up to a major election.
Current President Donald Trump seems to be following this trend, as he faces declining approval ratings and contentious issues ahead of this year’s critical midterm elections. Republicans aim to hold onto their slim majorities in both the House and Senate.
The main question now is who will take over for President Trump.
Pam Bondi has already been dismissed as attorney general, and sources indicate that a new cabinet official will be nominated to fill her role.
The White House, however, is pushing back against the idea that other cabinet members might soon face termination. Notably, President Trump announced Bondi’s firing just hours after rumors about her job security surfaced.
Three cabinet members have been mentioned in the media recently as potentially at risk in light of the president’s shakeup.
Pam Bondi
The director of national intelligence may have upset President Trump by failing to criticize former counterterrorism director Joe Kent, who resigned last month after criticizing Trump’s approach to Iran.
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat who backed Trump in the 2024 election and is a veteran of the Iraq War, hasn’t been as vocal in her support for the ongoing conflict with Iran compared to other officials.
In a recent endorsement, Trump referred to Gabbard as being likely more moderate regarding Iran, stating, “I think she’s probably a little more moderate on this issue, and that’s fine.”
Despite the speculation surrounding her future, White House communications director Stephen Chan firmly claimed that Trump has complete confidence in Gabbard, dismissing any contrary rumors as “pure fake news.”
Chan emphasized that the president has a highly effective cabinet that has delivered significant victories for the American people.
Lori Chavez Delemer
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez Delemer is currently under investigation by the Labor Department’s inspector general for multiple allegations, including drinking on the job and having an affair with a security official.
The departure of some of her close aides has not improved her standing.
Howard Lutnick
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a longtime ally of Trump, faces scrutiny as well. Speculation has arisen regarding his future following his admission in February of traveling with his family to Jeffrey Epstein’s private island in 2012, years after Epstein’s conviction for child sex trafficking.
Though Lutnick previously claimed he had little involvement with Epstein, the implications of his past trips could pose challenges.
The White House, however, insists there is no discord between Lutnick and Chavez Delemer. Press Secretary Taylor Rogers affirmed their contributions to American workers and noted they have Trump’s unwavering support.
Still, the president’s political allies have not dismissed the possibility of further adjustments within his administration. A source mentioned that Trump is reassembling his team, with a clear message: loyalty is essential, but performance is paramount.
