Trump Cabinet Shakeup: Who Could Be Out Next?
President Donald Trump and his national security team meet in the Situation Room of the White House, Saturday, June 21, 2025. Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok under. Public domain.
President Donald Trump's second term is nearing its one-year mark, and whispers of a Cabinet shakeup are stirring behind the scenes. While the White House publicly insists on stability, sources reportedly reveal simmering tensions and possible changes in key departments, including Homeland Security and Energy. The question on many lips: will loyalty or performance dictate who stays and who goes?
A Cabinet That Looks Steady, But Is It?
Trump's Cabinet has been notably more stable this time around compared to his first term, which was marked by frequent departures and reshuffles. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt dismissed recent reports of a shakeup as "100% Fake News," accusing CNN of thriving on drama that "does not exist" and insisting the president "could not be happier with his Cabinet," as reported by Newsweek.
Yet, multiple sources familiar with internal discussions tell a different story. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Kristi Noem, and the Department of Energy (DOE), headed by Chris Wright, are reportedly under scrutiny. Officials say conversations about potential turnover are underway, though no final decisions have been made and any changes would likely wait until early next year.
Homeland Security: Loyalty Tested by Management Concerns
Kristi Noem reportedly remains a favored figure with President Trump, who has praised her publicly and privately. However, friction within DHS is centered on Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Noem ally and special government employee with a temporary advisory role. Lewandowski's growing influence over personnel decisions and disciplinary actions has raised concerns among senior White House aides, who view his management style as problematic.
Lewandowski, once Trump's 2016 campaign manager, has amassed significant power at DHS, reportedly directing firings, placing employees on administrative leave "to hold them accountable," and reprimanding officials he perceives as obstacles to the administration's agenda, as reported by CNN. His micro-management extends to overseeing the department's expanded deportation efforts, which have received a massive cash infusion.
Despite the internal unease, a DHS spokesperson defended Lewandowski's approach, emphasizing that he targets those who "impede or slow down the administration and undermine the will of the American people," reflecting the mandate Trump's supporters expect, as reported by CNN.
A tense Oval Office meeting in September between Trump, Noem, and Lewandowski reportedly highlighted these tensions. Sources say Trump left the meeting irritated with Lewandowski, though the advisor's survival is attributed to his close relationship with the president, as reported by CNN.
Energy Department: Slow Progress and Turnover Worries
Chris Wright, a former Colorado fracking executive, heads the Department of Energy and has also come under fire from some White House officials. Critics within the administration accuse Wright of slow-walking key initiatives tied to Trump's energy dominance agenda and contributing to high turnover among senior agency staff.
Wright's defenders push back hard. The Energy Department's spokesperson highlighted recent praise from Trump, who called Wright "the number one energy person anywhere in the world" just weeks ago, as reported by Newsweek. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers echoed this support, pointing to record oil production and lower gas prices as evidence of the administration's success under Wright's leadership, as reported by CNN.
The Contradiction: Public Calm, Private Unease
The White House's official line is clear: no Cabinet changes are imminent. Leavitt reiterated that "the cabinet is not changing no matter how much CNN wishes that it would because it thrives off drama," as reported by The Hill.
Yet, the behind-the-scenes narrative tells of a different reality. Senior officials express frustration with Lewandowski's outsized role at DHS and question Wright's pace at Energy. The potential for turnover in these departments raises concerns about policy disruption in areas critical to Trump's agenda, from immigration enforcement to energy production.
Who Could Step In?
Speculation about replacements is already swirling. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited out of office soon, is reportedly on Trump's radar for a Cabinet or administration role. According to CNN, sources say Youngkin prefers economic or business portfolios over immigration enforcement, suggesting he might not be the ideal candidate to lead DHS if Noem or Lewandowski depart.
Youngkin has publicly praised Trump's leadership and expressed interest in serving the administration, though no formal discussions have reportedly taken place. His political future remains open, with recent trips to key primary states hinting at broader ambitions.
According to a senior White House official who requested anonymity, Youngkin is interested in working for the administration in some capacity but is reluctant to assume leadership of DHS due to the aggressive deportation policies, as reported by CNN.
The Stakes of a Shakeup
Cabinet turnover is not unusual in any administration, but the timing and targets here are notable. DHS and Energy are pivotal to Trump's core promises: mass deportations and energy independence. Changes in leadership could signal shifts in policy execution or internal power dynamics.
Trump's first term saw frequent Cabinet changes, especially at DHS, which had five secretaries, including three acting officials. The current administration has sought to avoid that instability, but the reported tensions suggest that maintaining a steady hand may prove challenging as the one-year mark approaches.
What's Next?
For now, the Cabinet remains intact, with no official announcements of changes. The White House continues to push back against reports of a shakeup, emphasizing the president's satisfaction with his team.
But as the calendar inches toward January, the pressure will mount. Will loyalty to Trump's inner circle outweigh concerns about management and performance? Or will the administration opt for fresh faces to steer critical agencies through the next phase of the presidency?
Only time will tell, but the undercurrents of unease and the high stakes involved make this a story worth watching closely.
References: Trump officials prepare for potential cabinet shakeup after one-year mark | White House Reacts to Alleged Changes in Trump's Departments of Homeland Security, Energy | Leavitt pushes back on CNN over Cabinet shake-up story
