Trump Contemplates Other Cabinet Changes as He Faces Political Clock

Trump cabinet changes loom as White House weighs Pentagon and energy posts

By Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

President Donald Trump is considering replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, according to senior administration officials speaking Tuesday night.

The president told allies he wants new leadership at both departments before summer congressional fights over spending and potential military action against Iran, officials confirmed.

Hegseth faces mounting pressure after the Pentagon released a report showing $2 billion in unauthorized weapons transfers to Israel since January. The transfers bypassed congressional notification requirements, angering both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

“Trump’s furious about the optics,” a White House official told reporters. “The president feels blindsided.”

Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s job hangs in the balance over his handling of federal oil lease sales. The former oil executive canceled 3 planned auctions last month, citing market conditions. Trump wants faster expansion of domestic drilling to counter rising gas prices ahead of midterm elections.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has quietly compiled replacement lists for both posts, officials said. The potential shakeup comes as Trump prepares for budget negotiations with Congress and possible military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host with no prior government experience, has struggled to gain respect inside the Pentagon. Career military officers privately mocked his performance during March’s joint chiefs meeting, where he mispronounced the names of 2 regional commanders.

Defense Department staffers circulated a memo criticizing Hegseth’s management style, describing “chaotic morning briefings” and “constant yelling at junior officers.” The document reached Trump’s desk last week through Chief of Staff Wiles.

The president has asked close advisers whether Hegseth “has what it takes” for potential conflict with Iran, 3 people familiar with the conversations confirmed. Trump’s patience wore thin after Hegseth struggled to explain military options during recent National Security Council meetings.

At Energy, Wright faces criticism from oil industry allies who helped fund Trump’s campaign. The American Petroleum Institute sent a letter to the White House last week demanding faster approval of drilling permits. The industry group’s CEO Mike Sommers met privately with Trump on Monday.

“He promised us energy dominance,” Sommers told reporters after leaving the White House. “We need results, not excuses.”

Trump’s consideration of cabinet changes reflects his campaign promise to run government like a business. The president frequently fires subordinates who fail to meet his expectations, a practice refined during his years hosting “The Apprentice.”

The president dismissed 5 cabinet secretaries during his first term, including Defense Secretary Mark Esper via Twitter. Trump later regretted some early personnel choices, writing in his memoir that “Washington picks the wrong people.”

Current speculation centers on 3 potential Hegseth replacements. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has emerged as the leading candidate, according to Republican Senate aides. Cotton served as an Army infantry officer in Iraq and Afghanistan before entering politics.

Other candidates include former National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien and current CIA Director John Ratcliffe. All 3 men have stronger government credentials than Hegseth, who spent most of his career as a television personality.

For Energy Secretary, Trump is considering North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and former Texas Governor Rick Perry. Both have extensive energy industry experience and previously ran for president. Perry served as Energy Secretary during Trump’s first term before resigning in 2019.

The timing of potential dismissals remains unclear. Trump could act within weeks or wait until after budget negotiations with Congress conclude. Several Republican senators urged the president to delay changes that might complicate spending talks.

“Swinging a cleaver right now helps nobody,” Senator John Cornyn of Texas told reporters. “We’ve got enough chaos already.”

Congressional Democrats welcomed news of potential firings. Senator Elizabeth Warren called Hegseth “completely unqualified” and demanded his immediate resignation over the Israel weapons transfers.

“This is what happens when you put TV hosts in charge of national security,” Warren told reporters outside the Capitol.

The Pentagon weapons controversy overshadowed other Trump foreign policy initiatives. The unauthorized transfers included precision-guided bombs and air defense missiles sent to Israel during recent Gaza operations. Congressional leaders discovered the transfers through press reports rather than official notification.

Lawmakers from both parties demanded answers at classified briefings last week. Hegseth’s deputy Kathleen Hicks struggled to explain why Congress wasn’t informed, according to attendees. The Pentagon claimed administrative error but provided shifting explanations.

Israeli officials privately expressed concern about potential arms delays if Hegseth departs. The country relies heavily on American military support for security operations and wants continuity in Pentagon leadership.

Background

Trump’s cabinet turnover rate exceeded that of any modern president. He replaced 12 of 15 cabinet secretaries during his first term, often through humiliating public dismissals. The president values loyalty over experience, choosing television personalities and campaign donors for key posts.

The pattern continued into Trump’s second term with controversial picks like Hegseth. The president defended his preference for outsiders, claiming career officials constitute a “deep state” working against his agenda. Critics argue such selections lead to inexperienced leadership and policy failures.

cabinet stability typically matters for national security and international relations. Foreign leaders prefer dealing with consistent counterparts who understand complex policy details. Frequent changes complicate negotiations and create uncertainty about American commitments.

What’s Next

Senate confirmation hearings for potential replacements could begin within weeks if Trump moves forward. Republicans control 53 Senate seats but face a challenging midterm map. Controversial nominees might struggle for confirmation, especially if Democrats mount unified opposition.

Trump will meet with Republican congressional leaders Thursday to discuss budget priorities and personnel decisions. The president wants spending agreements completed before the August recess to avoid government shutdown threats during campaign season.