As President Donald Trump approaches the one-year mark of his second term, the White House is preparing for the possibility of limited Cabinet adjustments โ a normal process in any administration and one that officials stress is not indicative of instability.
Unlike Trumpโs first term, which saw high turnover across many departments, the presidentโs current Cabinet has been deliberately steady. Senior officials say this has been intentional to reinforce continuity and reliability during the administrationโs first year. While internal discussions about potential future changes have occurred, the White House maintains that no decisions have been made and no changes are expected before early next year.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt dismissed speculation about looming resignations, saying: โThe cabinet is not changing no matter how much CNN wishes that it would because it thrives off drama.โ
Department of Homeland Security: Praise for Noem, Scrutiny of Lewandowski
One of the departments that has drawn attention is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem. Trump has made immigration enforcement a central focus of his second-term agenda, and DHS has been central to carrying out those policies.
Multiple sources emphasized that the president remains pleased with Noemโs leadership. A senior White House official reiterated Trumpโs confidence, saying: โThe President loves Kristi. He loves the job sheโs doing.โ
However, internal friction has emerged around Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally who joined DHS as a special government employee with temporary status. His close working relationship with Noem has prompted speculation that the pair might eventually depart together if changes were made.
Lewandowski, who previously helped run Trumpโs 2016 campaign, has taken an active role inside the department. Sources told CNN he has directed personnel changes, overseen administrative leave requests, and pushed senior leaders to accelerate deportation-related programs. While supporters view him as an enforcer of the administrationโs priorities, others within the White House believe his management style has caused tension.
A person close to the White House noted that concerns have been raised internally: โYes, he likes [Noem], but it has been brought to his attention that [Lewandowski] is a problem, and the agency is being mismanaged because of it.โ
The White House and DHS pushed back strongly on that interpretation. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson highlighted DHSโs results under Trump and Noem, saying:
โThe tremendous results coming from the Department of Homeland Security โฆ speak for themselves.โ
A DHS spokesperson added that Lewandowski โhas a reputation of reprimanding officials who impede or slow down the administration and undermine the will of the American people.โ
In September, Trump met with Noem and Lewandowski to discuss DHS operations. According to two people familiar with the meeting, the conversation became tense at times โ particularly between Lewandowski and the president โ though Noemโs standing with Trump was not affected.
Department of Energy: Questions Around Secretary Chris Wright
The Department of Energy, led by former Colorado energy executive Chris Wright, is another agency where speculation has surfaced. Sources say some White House officials believe Wright has been reluctant on certain campaign-promised initiatives and that his department has faced senior-level turnover.
Energy Department spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended Wrightโs performance, saying:
โSecretary Wright has been working lockstep with President Trump since day one to restore Americaโs energy dominance.โ
She added that U.S. oil production hit a record high in July under Trumpโs policies.
Past Discussions About Other Cabinet Members
This is not the first time internal debate about Cabinet roles has surfaced. Earlier discussions took place around Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after an accidental sharing of sensitive information, and Trump had expressed frustration over Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbardโs stance on Iranโs nuclear capabilities. Both remained in their posts.
An upcoming Pentagon inspector general report on Hegsethโs messaging incident could renew attention but is not expected to carry formal consequences.
Youngkin Seen as a Potential Future Administration Pick
With Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin leaving office in January due to term limits, several Republicans close to Trump believe he may be considered for a future Cabinet position if an opening arises. Although the two men have not directly discussed a role, Youngkin has been publicly supportive of the president.
During a call with supporters, Youngkin told Trump:
โMr. President, I want to thank youโฆ I know that you will always put America first.โ
Trump returned the praise, calling Youngkin โone of the great governors in our country.โ
Sources say Youngkin would be interested in a position with an economic or business focus, while likely avoiding an immigration-first role such as DHS.
Routine Evolution in Any Administration
Cabinet adjustments are not unusual. During President Bidenโs term, changes occurred at the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Labor. Trump officials emphasize that any future changes would be part of routine administrative alignment, not broader turmoil.
