President Donald Trump has indicated that several members of his administration could face changes following the Republican Party’s significant losses in the November 3 midterm elections, while publicly expressing confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
During an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes correspondent Ross Douthat, Donald Trump was asked whether he expected to fire anyone from his team following the Republican defeat.
The president responded that he was considering some personnel changes but refused to identify the individuals who could be affected.
“I do. A little bit. I love my Cabinet, but I’ll be doing maybe a few changes. I don’t want to mention who,” Trump said.
The interviewer subsequently asked whether Trump still had confidence in Hegseth, whose position had attracted attention amid criticism of the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict and other military matters.
“I do. We’ve won two wars,” Trump replied.
His comments offered a public endorsement of the defense secretary while leaving questions about the future of other senior officials in the administration.
Trump Considers Changes After Republican Election Defeat
The interview comes after Democrats made significant gains in the November 3 midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress and creating a new political environment for the Trump administration.
Donald Trump’s comments suggest that the election results could lead to changes within his government, although he did not identify specific Cabinet members or provide a timetable for any additional departures.
The president praised his Cabinet, describing its members positively, but simultaneously acknowledged that some adjustments were being considered.
The remarks have therefore created uncertainty among senior administration officials, particularly those whose departments have faced scrutiny over major policy decisions.
According to CBS News, Trump recorded the interview before announcing a major change involving his own White House leadership.
Susie Wiles Becomes First Major Departure in Latest Shake-Up
Hours after the interview, Donald Trump announced that Susie Wiles would leave her position as White House chief of staff.
He named Stephen Miller, his longtime adviser and deputy chief of staff, as her replacement, with the transition scheduled to take effect on November 9.
Trump praised Wiles’ service and announced that she would move to his political operation rather than leave his political circle entirely.
The timing was notable because Trump had just told 60 Minutes that he expected to make changes following the midterm defeat.
However, the announcement does not establish that Wiles was the only person Trump had in mind when he discussed possible personnel changes.
CBS News reported that Wiles had submitted her resignation before the public announcement.
Trump Gives Pete Hegseth a Public Vote of Confidence
One of the most closely watched moments in the interview came when Douthat asked Trump whether he still had confidence in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The question followed reports and criticism surrounding Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon, particularly in connection with the ongoing Iran conflict.
Trump answered affirmatively and defended his administration’s military record.
“Look, we’ve won two wars,” the president said, before referring to Venezuela and an operation he described as a victory achieved in less than an hour.
When the interviewer asked whether he credited Hegseth for the Venezuela operation, Trump offered a more qualified response.
“No, but he was a part of it,” the president replied.
The distinction is significant: Trump publicly maintained confidence in Hegseth but did not directly credit him with the operation’s success.
Hegseth’s Position Remains Under Scrutiny
Hegseth has faced questions about his leadership and the administration’s military decisions, particularly as the Iran conflict continues to create political and strategic challenges.
The Republican midterm losses have intensified discussions about responsibility for the administration’s policies and the performance of senior officials.
Nevertheless, Donald Trump’s latest comments indicate that Hegseth retains the president’s public backing.
The defense secretary has also rejected suggestions that he intends to resign voluntarily, previously declaring that he and Trump do not back down.
Whether the president’s endorsement will translate into long-term security for Hegseth’s position remains uncertain, especially as Trump considers broader personnel changes.
A Cabinet Shake-Up or a Wider Political Reset?
Donald Trump’s comments suggest that the midterm results could have consequences beyond the congressional balance of power.
With Democrats preparing to exercise greater oversight over the administration, the president is facing a new political environment in which Cabinet members and senior advisers may encounter increased scrutiny.
The departure of Wiles and appointment of Miller represent the first major leadership change announced after the election.
However, Donald Trump’s refusal to identify other possible targets leaves open the possibility of additional adjustments.
For now, the president is publicly standing behind Hegseth while acknowledging that other members of his administration could be affected.
The question is no longer simply whether Donald Trump intends to make changes, but who might be next.
Follow OGM News for continuing coverage of Donald Trump, the White House, Pete Hegseth and the political consequences of the 2026 midterm elections.
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