President Donald Trump signaled that staff dismissals are looming across his administration following sweeping Republican losses in the midterm elections, telling CBS News program “60 Minutes” in an interview taped Friday that personnel adjustments are underway.
Hours after the Oval Office conversation, Trump announced that Stephen Miller will step in as White House chief of staff. Miller replaces Susie Wiles, who submitted her resignation on Thursday. CBS News reported that Wiles’ departure was linked to the party’s electoral setbacks. Speaking with reporters Friday, Trump said he “wanted to make a change” and remarked that “sometimes in life, you have to make moves.”
During the interview, correspondent Ross Douthat asked Trump directly whether he anticipated firing aides after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress. “I do, yeah. Little bit,” Trump answered, according to CBS News. The president added: “I love my Cabinet. I think they’re good. But I’ll … be doing maybe a few changes.”
Cabinet status and Pentagon leadership
Trump offered support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating “I do” when asked if he retains confidence in the Pentagon leader. The response followed a CBS News report indicating that Trump had asked advisers earlier in the week whether Hegseth should remain in his post. Trump defended his national security record during the exchange, citing military operations in Venezuela and claiming swift success there.
Wiles stands as one of the most prominent officials to exit during Trump’s term. While several Cabinet members stepped down earlier in the year—including former Attorney General Pam Bondi, former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer—the president had otherwise kept most of his core leadership team in place.
Midterm fallout and broadcast details
The taped interview represents Trump’s first extended sit-down since Democrats swept congressional elections earlier in the week. CBS News projected that Democrats secured the House majority by winning more than 40 seats, with more than two dozen contests still awaiting a call. In the Senate, Democrats gained seven seats, while close races in Alaska and Mississippi remained undecided.
The Oval Office taping also marked a notable moment for the CBS newsmagazine. Douthat, a former New York Times columnist who recently joined the broadcast, conducted the interview accompanied at the White House by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and executive producer Nick Bilton. Trump previously reached a $16 million legal settlement with CBS over an interview conducted with Kamala Harris in 2024, and last appeared on the broadcast in April.
The full interview is scheduled to air Sunday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. Eastern and Pacific times on CBS and Paramount+, alongside an extended version posted online. It remains uncertain which additional Cabinet secretaries or administration aides may face dismissal as the White House prepares to navigate divided government.
