Trump Says He May Make 'a Few Changes' to His Cabinet After Midterm Losses
President Donald Trump says he may make some changes to his team after Republicans lost control of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections.
In an interview with 60 Minutes, CBS correspondent Ross Douthat invoked Trump's famous television catchphrase and asked whether he expected to fire anyone after the election. "Yeah," Trump answered.
The president then expressed affection for his Cabinet and said he considered its members good. "But I'll be doing maybe a few changes. I don't want to mention who," he added.
'I Do'
Douthat then asked about Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, noting that he had seen Hegseth in the hall before the interview and that some critics have called for the Pentagon chief to resign.
READ MORE: Trump Says Pete Hegseth Is 'Doing a Very Good Job' Amid Reports He Could Be Replaced
Asked whether he had confidence in Hegseth, Trump gave a direct answer: "I do."
Trump went on to cite the administration's military record, claiming two victories and highlighting the operation in Venezuela, which he described as a victory achieved in less than an hour in which nobody was killed.
When Douthat asked whether he credited Hegseth for that operation, Trump replied, "No, but he was part of it." The exchange put Trump's support for Hegseth on the record while leaving the question of credit for the Venezuela operation separate.
CNN aired part of the interview Friday. Jake Tapper highlighted Trump's comments about Hegseth's future and disputed the president's description of the administration's military record, calling the seizure of Nicolás Maduro a successful military operation rather than a war.
Miller Replaces Wiles
The Cabinet discussion came hours before the White House confirmed a change at the very top of Trump's staff: Stephen Miller will replace Susie Wiles as chief of staff.
Miller, who had served as deputy chief of staff for policy, becomes the president's 33rd chief of staff, according to the Associated Press. He joined Trump's first presidential campaign as a speechwriter and became a key figure in shaping the administration's immigration policies.
READ MORE: Hakeem Jeffries Blasts Stephen Miller After Trump Names Him White House Chief of Staff
Wiles submitted her resignation Thursday night, according to a person familiar with the events who spoke to the AP. She was the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff.
Speaking to reporters Friday night, Trump praised Wiles, said she will continue working for his political organization and said the election was unrelated to his decision. He added that Miller had been with him from the beginning.
Cabinet Rallies Behind Miller
Vice President JD Vance thanked Wiles for her service and congratulated Miller on the promotion. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Wiles and said he looked forward to working with Miller to advance Trump's agenda.
Attorney General Todd Blanche thanked Wiles and said he expected to keep working with Miller on public safety and fraud. Hegseth also welcomed the appointment and pledged the support of the Department of War.
The White House credited Miller with helping carry out Trump's border security and anti-fraud efforts, and cited his experience inside the administration when it announced his appointment.
The shake-up comes as Trump prepares to govern under divided control, with Democrats taking over the House and Senate in January. The president has not said who else could be on the way out.