US President Donald Trump has hinted at further changes within his administration following the Republican Party’s disappointing performance in the midterm elections, although he has publicly reaffirmed his confidence in Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, where he was asked whether he planned to remove some members of his administration following the party’s electoral setback.
Responding to the question, Trump said he might make a few changes but declined to mention the officials who could be affected. He maintained that he was satisfied with his Cabinet, despite the possibility of further departures.
The president has already replaced White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller, a longtime adviser known for his strong position on immigration and other key administration policies. Miller is expected to assume the new responsibility on Monday.
Wiles, who played a major role in Trump’s successful 2024 presidential campaign, was the first woman to occupy the position of White House chief of staff. Her replacement has raised questions about the direction Trump intends to take as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of Congress.
Several other senior officials have also left their positions during Trump’s second term. They include former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Labour Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has also departed from her Cabinet-level role.
Meanwhile, Hegseth received a public show of support from Trump when the president was asked whether he still had confidence in the Pentagon chief. Trump responded in the affirmative, pointing to what he described as the administration’s military successes.
When asked whether Hegseth deserved credit for those achievements, Trump said he was part of the effort.
However, uncertainty remains over Hegseth’s long-term position, particularly as prediction market traders have continued to speculate about possible changes within the administration.
Figures from Kalshi showed that traders placed the likelihood of Hegseth leaving office before January 2027 at 36 per cent. The probability increased to 50 per cent before February and 67 per cent before April.
Polymarket, however, placed lower odds on his immediate departure, indicating that market expectations differ. The figures represent trading predictions rather than confirmed plans by the White House.
Trump’s decision to appoint Miller has also attracted attention from political observers, who believe it signals a more confrontational approach towards the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress.
Republican strategist Matt Klink described the appointment as evidence that Trump intends to continue fighting rather than retreat following the election setback.
Political scientist Stephen Farnsworth also suggested that Miller’s promotion reflected Trump’s limited interest in seeking compromises with political opponents.
The Republican defeat has exposed challenges within Trump’s political coalition, particularly over rising living costs, immigration enforcement and the administration’s involvement in the Iran war.
According to CNN exit polling, Democrats won Latino voters by a 30-point margin in the midterms, a significant shift from the 2024 presidential election, when Trump lost the same voting group by only five points.
Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that the Iran conflict contributed significantly to the Republican setback, although Trump maintained that he would have made the same decision regardless of the electoral consequences.
With Democrats preparing to exercise greater influence in Congress, Trump’s administration faces increased scrutiny, possible investigations and restrictions on its legislative priorities.
Miller’s immediate task will be to coordinate the White House response, strengthen the administration’s political messaging and help Trump navigate growing opposition while addressing voters’ concerns over economic conditions.
The full interview with Trump is scheduled to air on CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday at 7 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time.
