The key facts

  • Trump, in a CBS News interview, suggested possible dismissals in the cabinet after the midterm elections
  • Stephen Miller appointed White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles
  • Trump linked the Republican defeat to the consequences of the war against Iran and rising gasoline prices

Trump announces cabinet changes

US President Donald Trump said he plans to make changes to his cabinet after Republicans lost the midterm elections and ceded control of both chambers of Congress. In an interview on CBS News' 60 Minutes program, when asked whether he plans to fire anyone, Trump replied: “Yes, a little.” “I love my cabinet, I think they're good. But I will probably make a few changes,” he added. The interview will air on Sunday, Anadolu reports.

The reshuffle has already begun

The statement came after Trump announced a change of White House chief of staff: deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller was appointed chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles. Wiles herself will move to Trump's political organization. According to Gazeta.Ru, Democrats won a convincing victory in the November 3 midterm elections, taking majority control of both chambers of Congress from the Republicans; the analytical portal DDHQ also reported that Democrats would gain control of the House of Representatives.

Trump's reaction to the election results

Trump himself said the election results surprised him, but refused to consider the Republican Party's defeat his own. He linked the outcome to the consequences of the war against Iran, primarily rising gasoline prices. Thus, the announced personnel moves — Miller's appointment and plans for “a few changes” in the cabinet — became the administration's first response to Republicans losing control of Congress, although the full composition of the reshuffle has not yet been disclosed.