• Homeland Security and Energy departments identified as potential areas for leadership changes
• Officials aim to avoid imagery of Trump’s turnover-filled first term
• No final decisions made as Cabinet expected to remain stable through early 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — The White House is preparing for possible turnover in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet after he reaches the one-year mark of his term in January, potentially reshaping his otherwise stable team of secretaries, according to multiple officials familiar with the discussions.

Trump’s cadre of secretaries, administrators and directors has remained relatively steady by design, as officials close to the president aimed to avoid the high-turnover imagery that marked his first term. During that initial administration, the Department of Homeland Security alone cycled through five secretaries, three of whom served in acting capacities.

Homeland Security dynamics

At least one federal agency that could see change is Homeland Security, currently helmed by Kristi Noem, the department charged with executing Trump’s campaign promise of mass deportation. While Trump himself is happy with Noem and has consistently praised her in public and private settings, behind-the-scenes tensions have emerged involving Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Noem confidante serving as a special government employee at DHS.

“The President loves Kristi. He’s been happy with Kristi Noem, but it has been brought to his attention that Lewandowski is a problem, and the agency is being mismanaged because of it.”

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Lewandowski’s enormous power at DHS has put him in the crosshairs of senior White House officials, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Sources told CNN that Lewandowski has directed firings, requested employees be placed on administrative leave and developed a reputation for reprimanding officials he views as slowing down the administration’s agenda.

In September, Trump convened a meeting with Lewandowski and Noem over DHS management that grew contentious, with the president leaving irritated with Lewandowski, according to two people familiar with the event.

Energy Department concerns

Sources also indicated potential turnover at the Department of Energy, currently led by Chris Wright, a former Colorado fracking executive whose relationship with the White House has frayed in recent months. White House officials have privately complained that Wright was slow-walking initiatives Trump promised during his campaign and has contributed to high turnover in the agency’s top jobs.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

“Secretary Wright has been working lockstep with President Trump since day one to restore America’s energy dominance and safeguard our economic and national security,” White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said, citing record oil production and lower gas prices.

Potential replacements under consideration

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who is term-limited out of office in January, is among Republican leaders expected to be under consideration for Cabinet openings. While Trump has praised Youngkin, several Republicans close to the president said the two men have not had direct conversations about any prospective role.

Youngkin, who turns 59 next month, saw his endorsed successor defeated in a landslide Nov. 4 loss. He has made trips to Iowa and South Carolina, key stops in any Republican presidential primary, to keep his options open.

Officials stressed that no decisions have been made, and the Cabinet is expected to remain unchanged at least through early next year. “The cabinet is not changing no matter how much CNN wishes that it would because it thrives off drama,” said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.

Will Trump’s second-term Cabinet maintain stability, or will the one-year mark trigger changes reminiscent of his tumultuous first administration?

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10