Trump Weighs More Cabinet Shakeups Ahead of Midterms

Commerce and Labor Secretaries Reportedly Under Scrutiny After Recent High-Profile Firings

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:20am

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President Donald Trump is reportedly considering additional changes to his Cabinet, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said to be under serious scrutiny. This comes after Trump recently dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from their posts, citing dissatisfaction with their leadership and performance.

Why it matters

The potential Cabinet shakeups signal Trump's desire to enforce stricter standards of loyalty and performance among his top officials as critical midterm elections approach. The moves could also make confirmation battles more difficult if Republicans lose control of the Senate.

The details

According to reports from Politico and the Washington Post, Trump has expressed frustration and disappointment with Lutnick and Chavez-DeRemer and is weighing their removal from his Cabinet. The President reportedly fired Bondi over her handling of the Epstein files and broader dissatisfaction with her leadership, while Noem was ousted after she spent $200 million on an ad contract and 'lied to Congress and claimed it was with Trump's approval.'

  • On Thursday, Trump dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her post.
  • Weeks earlier, Trump had dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from her position.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is reportedly considering additional changes to his Cabinet ahead of the midterm elections.

Pam Bondi

The former U.S. Attorney General who was dismissed by Trump, reportedly over her handling of the Epstein files and broader dissatisfaction with her leadership.

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary who was dismissed by Trump after she spent $200 million on an ad contract and 'lied to Congress and claimed it was with Trump's approval.'

Howard Lutnick

The current Commerce Secretary who is reportedly under serious scrutiny by Trump and may be removed from his post.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The current Labor Secretary who is reportedly under serious scrutiny by Trump and may be removed from her post.

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What’s next

No final decisions have been made on Chavez-DeRemer and Lutnick, and Trump has contemplated firing people and then backed off before, underscoring his willingness to keep subordinates under pressure.

The takeaway

Trump's potential Cabinet shakeups signal his desire to enforce stricter standards of loyalty and performance among his top officials as critical midterm elections approach, which could make confirmation battles more difficult if Republicans lose control of the Senate.