President Donald Trump is signaling additional changes inside his administration following Tuesday’s midterm elections, just as the White House undergoes a major leadership shakeup.
Trump confirmed during a “60 Minutes” interview that he was considering replacing several officials after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress.
The president’s comments came shortly before he announced that longtime adviser Stephen Miller would replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff.
CBS correspondent Ross Douthat pressed Trump about potential personnel changes, invoking the president’s famous television catchphrase about firing employees.
“Yeah,” Trump responded when asked whether he expected to dismiss anyone following the election.
However, the president emphasized that he remained generally pleased with his administration’s senior leadership.
“I love my Cabinet. I think they’re good,” Trump said.
“But I’ll be doing maybe a few changes. I don’t want to mention who,” he added.
The remarks immediately raised questions about which senior administration officials could face replacement as Trump prepares for two years of divided government.
Douthat specifically questioned the president about Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, whose leadership has faced criticism from Democrats and other political opponents.
The correspondent noted that Hegseth had recently met with Trump and asked whether the president retained confidence in his Pentagon chief.
“I do,” Trump replied.
Trump subsequently defended his administration’s military accomplishments, highlighting operations involving Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The president described the Venezuela operation as a military victory completed in less than an hour.
Douthat then asked whether Trump credited Hegseth personally for the operation’s success.
“No, but he was part of it,” Trump answered.
The exchange demonstrated Trump’s continued public confidence in Hegseth while leaving open questions about other potential Cabinet changes.
CNN anchor Jake Tapper highlighted the interview Friday, emphasizing Trump’s reluctance to personally credit Hegseth for the Venezuela operation.
Tapper also challenged Trump’s characterization of the military action as a war, describing Maduro’s capture as a successful military operation instead.
Meanwhile, the administration’s most significant personnel change became official Friday when Trump announced Miller’s promotion.
Miller, who previously served as deputy chief of staff for policy, will become the president’s 33rd White House chief of staff on November 9.
A central figure in Trump’s political movement since 2016, Miller has helped develop and implement the administration’s immigration enforcement and border security policies.
His appointment places one of Trump’s most trusted advisers in charge of White House operations as Democrats prepare to assume control of Congress.
Trump praised Miller’s longstanding loyalty and experience, noting that the adviser had worked alongside him since his first presidential campaign.
The president also praised Wiles, who became the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff.
Wiles submitted her resignation Thursday after serving in the position throughout Trump’s second term.
Trump said she would remain involved in his political organization rather than leave his broader operation entirely.
Although the transition followed Republicans’ significant election losses, Trump publicly denied that the results motivated his decision.
The president described the move as a personnel change rather than a direct response to Tuesday’s voting.
Wiles highlighted the administration’s accomplishments on border security, tax cuts and economic policy in her departing statement.
Vice President JD Vance thanked Wiles for her service while congratulating Miller on his new responsibilities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also praised Wiles and expressed support for working with Miller.
Attorney General Todd Blanche welcomed the transition, emphasizing continued cooperation on public safety and fraud enforcement.
Hegseth likewise pledged the Department of War’s support for Miller’s leadership.
The transition comes as Republicans prepare to surrender their congressional majorities in January, presenting Trump with substantial legislative and political challenges.
With Democrats positioned to control both the House and Senate, the administration faces increased prospects of congressional investigations, legislative gridlock and battles over federal spending.
Miller’s promotion establishes a new leadership structure inside the West Wing as Trump considers additional personnel changes.
Whether those changes ultimately extend to Cabinet officials remains unclear, but the president’s comments indicate the White House shakeup may not be finished.
