Get ready for a lot of Trump administration departures after the midterms
The team in the White House could look very different after the midterms.
The Trump administration is preparing for a fairly significant staff shake-up following Tuesday's elections, The Washington Post reports. The staffer most likely to depart appears to be Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who President Trump has publicly rebuked on many occasions and who some sources expect to be fired "in a humiliating fashion" as soon as this week. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversees Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election meddling, is also a prime candidate to be fired; Trump had reportedly been warned to wait at least until after the midterms to give him the boot.
That's not all: Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen may leave on her own, as her relationship with Trump grows more strained, the Post reports, and the White House is already looking at replacements for her. Other possible departures include Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, although the latter two are expected to leave on their own rather than be fired. Chief of Staff John Kelly could also be on his way out, the Post reports, although noting that he has been asked to stay until 2020. Others in the administration are expected to leave their positions to join Trump's 2020 re-election campaign.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
While it's normal for an administration to see a handful of departures after a midterm election, Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told the Post that "the number of people resigning under pressure far exceeds that of any other administration."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published