Trump Cabinet Shakeup Looms as Embattled Officials Face Scrutiny

Republicans divided over whether president should make moves before or after midterm elections

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Top Republicans are bracing for a shakeup in President Donald Trump's Cabinet, with several high-profile advisers embroiled in scandals. While some GOP lawmakers urge the president to wait until after the midterm elections to make changes, others suggest embattled officials like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer could be on the chopping block if Trump decides to act.

Why it matters

A Cabinet shakeup ahead of the midterms could be seen as disruptive, but Trump may feel pressure to remove officials facing controversies. The president's decisions could impact Republican chances in key Senate races.

The details

Several Trump Cabinet members have become entangled in scandals, including Noem over an alleged romantic relationship with Corey Lewandowski, and Chavez-DeRemer facing a probe into her conduct in office. FBI Director Kash Patel is also dealing with fallout from a beer-soaked celebration. While some GOP senators advise Trump to wait until after the election to make changes, others suggest Noem and Chavez-DeRemer could be ousted if the president decides to act.

  • Trump has faced mounting pressure to shake up his Cabinet in recent months.
  • The midterm elections are scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security, facing controversy over an alleged romantic relationship.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The current Secretary of Labor, under investigation for her conduct in office.

Kash Patel

The current Director of the FBI, dealing with fallout from a beer-soaked celebration.

John Hoeven

A Republican senator from North Dakota who advises Trump to wait until after the election to make Cabinet changes.

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What they’re saying

“Folks are going to want to know that the team's going to stay together through the election. We're not quite there yet, but we're getting close. You don't want to be trying to hire people to train them in, going into an election. All your attention needs to be on the election.”

— John Hoeven, U.S. Senator (Semafor)

“I just don't think he's going to do that before the election. I just think it's perceived as too disruptive.”

— Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Senator (Semafor)

What’s next

The president will likely decide whether to make Cabinet changes before or after the midterm elections in the coming months.

The takeaway

Trump's handling of his Cabinet shakeup could have significant political implications, as Republicans are divided on the best timing to make such moves. The president must balance the need to address scandals with the potential disruption to his party's midterm election efforts.