Trump says Cabinet changes likely after midterms
President Trump said Monday he expects to shake up his Cabinet after Tuesday’s midterm elections, though he downplayed reports of frequent clashes with top officials.
“Administrations make changes usually after midterms and probably we’ll be right in that category. I think it’s very customary,” Trump told reporters as he departed for a campaign rally in Ohio.
“For the most part, I love my Cabinet,” he continued. “We have some really talented people. Look at the deals we’re making on trade. Look at the job we’ve done on so many different things, including foreign affairs. I mean, we’ve done record-setting work. I don’t know that we get the credit for it, but that’s OK.”
{mosads}Trump reiterated that he intends to announce his pick for ambassador to the United Nations by the end of the week. He said last week that State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert is under “very serious consideration” to replace current Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is set to depart by year’s end.
Trump also indicated he would “take a look” at the allegations that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke violated ethics rules, but added he has not yet seen the claims, which have been referred to the Justice Department.
The president said there’s no timeline for replacing the head of the Justice Department, despite widespread reports he intends to move on from Attorney General Jeff Sessions once the midterms have passed. Trump has repeatedly chastised Sessions over his decision to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
He also expressed surprise when asked whether he would oust Defense Secretary James Mattis, who has pushed back against rumors of his imminent departure. Trump last month said he was unsure if Mattis would stay on, calling him “sort of a Democrat.”
Trump’s Cabinet has already experienced significant turnover.
Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was forced out and replaced by Mike Pompeo, whose departure as head of the CIA led to Gina Haspel’s appointment.
Trump is already on his third national security adviser with John Bolton.
Trump has also had two chiefs of staff and more than one head at the Homeland Security Department, Health and Human Services Department, Veterans Affairs Department and the Environmental Protection Agency.