President Donald Trump is weighing further changes to his Cabinet after abruptly removing Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday, a move that signals potential instability at the highest levels of the administration.
The ouster of Bondi, which came without detailed public explanation, is the latest in a series of high-profile departures. It follows the dismissal last month of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. On the same day as Bondi’s exit, Trump named Todd Blanche, described by insiders as a leading contender, to serve as acting attorney general.
The personnel shifts come amid reported frustration from the president over the performance of several Cabinet officials, wrote Politico. Sources familiar with internal discussions told the outlet that Trump has expressed disappointment with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, though no final decisions have been made regarding their positions.
Lutnick, a longtime Trump associate, has faced scrutiny over what some describe as underperformance and a polarizing management style. He has also drawn bipartisan pressure to step down after his name surfaced in connection with the Epstein files, though no misconduct was alleged. Administration officials say he remains in a precarious position, with some concerns centered on policy ideas viewed as underdeveloped. A Commerce Department representative disputed that characterization, pointing to Lutnick’s work on trade negotiations, pharmaceutical initiatives, relations with Japan, tariff policy, and a hard line toward Canada, adding that the department views his performance positively.
Chavez-DeRemer is confronting a separate set of challenges. An inspector general investigation at the Labor Department is examining allegations of workplace alcohol use, a personal relationship with a member of her security detail, and the possible misuse of official events for private travel. She has denied the claims. White House officials have continued to back her, with a spokesperson reiterating that both she and Lutnick “are doing a great job” and retain the president’s support.
Earlier this week, Trump also met with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. The discussions reportedly included last year’s California wildfires and the possibility of Zeldin moving into the attorney general role. One official described Blanche as currently the leading candidate to hold the position on a permanent basis.
Publicly, the White House has emphasized continuity, with officials projecting confidence in the current Cabinet. Privately, however, multiple sources describe Trump as increasingly frustrated and open to personnel changes aimed at addressing perceived weaknesses or negative publicity. Some within the administration believe that replacing Lutnick could serve as a visible step to demonstrate action on economic issues, a central concern for voters.
The potential shake-up comes after roughly 15 months of relative stability in the Cabinet, a contrast to the frequent turnover that marked Trump’s first term. Officials point to broader political considerations as well, including concerns that a shift in congressional control after the November midterm elections could complicate future confirmations. A larger reset could be intended to strengthen the administration’s position heading into those contests.
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