President Donald Trump has signalled that more senior figures could be forced out of his administration, telling CBS’s 60 Minutes he expects to make changes to his team in the wake of the Republicans’ heavy midterm losses.
Asked by correspondent Ross Douthat whether he planned to fire anyone after Democrats seized majorities in the House and Senate, Trump replied: “I do.” He added: “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.” The interview was recorded on Friday morning and will air in full on Sunday evening; a clip was released on Friday night.
Within hours of the taping, Trump announced the first departure. Chief of staff Susie Wiles is leaving the White House to move to his political operation, with longtime adviser Stephen Miller taking over as chief of staff on Monday. Trump praised Wiles on Truth Social, writing that she had “done an outstanding job” and thanking her for her service.
Wiles is the first Cabinet-level departure since April, when Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to the Washington Examiner. Her exit came days after the midterms delivered Democrats control of both chambers of Congress.
Trump also used the interview to express confidence in War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who could face an impeachment vote when the House reconvenes next week. Lawmakers from both parties have questioned Hegseth’s leadership, in particular over his handling of the war in Iran, which many Republicans blame for the midterm defeat. Trump said he still had confidence in him, and pointed to the Venezuela operation, claiming the United States had “won that war in less than one hour”. Asked whether he credited Hegseth with that operation, Trump replied: “No, but he was a part of it.” Hegseth earlier this week ruled out resigning, saying: “Just like the president. We don’t back down.”
The full interview airs on 60 Minutes on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on CBS.
Sources: CBS News / 60 Minutes (https://www.cbsnews.com/60-minutes/); New York Post (https://nypost.com/2026/11/06/us-news/trump-suggests-cabinet-shakeups-wont-stop-at-susie-wiles-in-60-minutes-interview/); Washington Examiner (https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/4796291/trump-expects-to-fire-cabinet-members-midterm-defeat/).
