US President Donald Trump is contemplating a wider cabinet reshuffle after Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent dismissal, reflecting his growing frustration with the political repercussions of the ongoing war with Iran. This internal deliberation comes as the conflict, now five weeks old, has contributed to rising gas prices, declining approval ratings for Trump, and heightened concerns among Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.
Some close to the administration viewed Trump’s nationally televised speech on Wednesday as an attempt to convey control and confidence regarding the war’s trajectory. However, the address was widely seen as underwhelming, reinforcing the perception that changes in messaging or personnel might be necessary. A White House official remarked, “A shake-up to show action is not a bad thing, is it?”
While no cabinet member has been definitively identified as certain to be removed imminently, several officials are reportedly at risk. Among those potentially facing dismissal are Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This follows the recent departures of Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Gabbard in recent months, and inquiries about possible replacements for her have been made within his circle. Meanwhile, some prominent Trump allies are quietly advocating for Lutnick’s removal due to renewed scrutiny over his association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Documents released earlier this year revealed Lutnick had lunch with Epstein on his private Caribbean island in 2012. Lutnick has downplayed the connection, stating the meeting was incidental as he was nearby on a boat.
Despite these controversies, White House spokesman Davis Ingle affirmed Trump’s “total confidence” in both Gabbard and Lutnick. He highlighted their contributions, including Gabbard’s role in ending the Maduro narcoterror regime and Lutnick’s efforts in securing major trade and investment agreements. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence also reiterated Trump’s support for Gabbard through a statement by White House communications director Steve Cheung. The Commerce Department has yet to comment.
In a significant development, some insiders suggest Trump might opt against a broad overhaul, preferring a more selective approach to cabinet changes. This caution stems from concerns that frequent staffing shifts during his first term created an impression of instability at the White House. One official described the anticipated adjustments as a “targeted churn” rather than a sweeping reset.
Nonetheless, following the disappointing reception of his recent speech, inaction could be as politically risky as making substantial changes that would dominate media coverage. Trump collaborated closely with his speechwriters and senior advisers on the prime-time address, responding to persistent calls from aides to speak directly about the US role in Iran. However, the president refrained from outlining an exit strategy for the conflict, which began on February 28, leaving the impression of an open-ended engagement. Instead of addressing voters’ economic concerns, he attributed the hardships to Tehran and assured that the pain would be temporary.
The speech failed to achieve its intended effect, with core supporters remaining loyal but broadly feeling economic pressure. As one official noted, “Voters tolerate ideological messaging, but they feel fuel prices immediately.” Trump’s overall approval rating stands at just 36%, the lowest of his current term, while 60% of Americans disapprove of the US-Israeli decision to initiate the war.
Trump is reportedly very frustrated with what he views as unfair media coverage of the Iran conflict and has expressed a desire for more favorable news stories. However, he has not shown interest in altering his own communication strategy. Despite ongoing controversies, several cabinet members have maintained their positions, even amid negative headlines and internal dissatisfaction. For example, Lutnick has faced calls for removal since April last year after implementing global tariffs that confused allies and experts. Gabbard, known for her criticism of US military interventions, drew White House ire as early as last June when she released a video condemning “political elite warmongers” before Trump’s first military action against Iran.
Sources indicate that the possibility of a cabinet shake-up has become more serious in recent weeks, with Trump aiming to make any significant changes well before the midterms. One official warned, “Let’s just say, based on what I have heard, Bondi is not the last one.”
