President Donald Trump has indicated that more dismissals are likely within his inner circle, following the recent ousting of his Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles. Trump revealed his expectations in an interview with "60 Minutes," which aired shortly after Wiles' departure.
During the interview, Trump responded affirmatively when asked if he anticipated further staff changes after his party experienced significant losses in the midterm elections. "I do," he stated, adding, "I love my cabinet, I think they're good... But I'll be doing maybe a few changes. I don't want to mention who."
When pressed about whether Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth might be among those considered for dismissal, Trump expressed confidence in Hegseth, stating, "I do" have confidence in him. Hegseth was mentioned in relation to perceived successes in international conflicts.
Sources cited by CNN's Kaitlan Collins described the White House environment as highly factionalized and filled with tension and infighting, drawing comparisons to the "knives-out" period of Trump's first term. These sources suggested Wiles' departure could accelerate an ongoing shift in the balance of power within the administration.
While CNN sources indicated that Trump reportedly blamed Wiles for the Republican Party's midterm election results, Trump told reporters on Friday that her dismissal was "not because of the election." He stated that Wiles would be moving to the Trump Political Operation and thanked her for her service, calling her departure a necessary move. However, a senior White House official told the Daily Mail that Wiles "gave her resignation last night," adding a layer of conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances of her departure.
Stephen Miller has been appointed as Wiles' replacement, stepping into the role of Chief of Staff beginning Monday, November 9, 2026, according to a post by Trump on Truth Social. Wiles' exit follows a pattern of dismissals that have included former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.