Trump Signals More Cabinet Changes in Store After GOP Losses

President Donald Trump said Friday he expects to make additional Cabinet changes following Republicans' sweeping midterm election defeats, signaling that the replacement of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles may be only the beginning of a broader administration shake-up.

In an interview with CBS News' "60 Minutes," Trump acknowledged that more personnel changes could be coming but declined to identify which officials might be affected.

Asked whether he expected to fire anyone after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress, Trump replied, "I do, yeah. Little bit."

"I love my Cabinet. I think they're good," Trump said. "But I'll ... be doing maybe a few changes."

The remarks came as Trump announced Friday that longtime senior adviser Stephen Miller would replace Wiles as White House chief of staff, effective Monday.

Trump's comments were made during an interview with CBS News correspondent Ross Douthat scheduled to air Sunday, with excerpts released Friday.

The president's remarks also come amid growing speculation about the future of War Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose handling of the war in Iran has drawn criticism following the GOP's midterm losses.

CBS News reported Wednesday that Trump had privately asked advisers whether Hegseth should remain in his position, citing multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

The network reported that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had been floated as a possible replacement, although other sources said Trump had made no decision to remove Hegseth.

Trump publicly expressed confidence in Hegseth when questioned Wednesday and again during the CBS interview.

"I do," Trump replied Friday when asked whether he retained confidence in Hegseth.

"Look, we've won two wars," the president added, referring to U.S. military operations in Venezuela and Iran.

Hegseth also faces the prospect of intensified congressional scrutiny when Democrats take control of the House and Senate in January.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Friday that Hegseth should leave office but stopped short of endorsing impeachment proceedings, according to NPR.

"He's got to go," Jeffries said during an interview with NPR's "Morning Edition."

Asked whether Democrats should pursue impeachment, Jeffries replied, "I don't want to get out ahead of the caucus."

NPR also reported that Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has threatened to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment unless Hegseth resigns.

Meanwhile, Trump's decision to elevate Miller places one of his closest advisers in charge of White House operations as Democrats prepare to challenge administration policies and launch congressional investigations.

CBS News reported Friday that Miller, previously deputy chief of staff, has played a central role in shaping Trump's immigration enforcement and deportation policies.

His appointment could also set the stage for a more confrontational relationship with incoming Democrat congressional leaders, who have sharply criticized the administration's immigration agenda.

Trump, however, rejected suggestions that Wiles' departure was prompted by the election results.

"It's just time. Sometimes you change," Trump told reporters Friday, according to CNN.

CBS News separately reported that Wiles submitted her resignation Thursday and that her departure was tied to the Republican election defeats, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

Trump praised Miller as a trusted and effective adviser.

"He's been with me right from the beginning ... he's very loyal, smart. Does a great job," Trump said, according to CNN.

"He's been an MVP every year. He's been just great. So, we're very happy with him," the president added.

Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., the incoming chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has specifically identified Miller as a target for investigation.

"Oversight Democrats will continue to investigate Miller for his misconduct," Garcia said in a statement Friday reported by Mediaite.

"Stephen Miller should lawyer up," Garcia added.

CBS News also reported that Garcia had singled out Miller and other administration officials as potential investigative targets following Tuesday's elections.

The White House has dismissed the prospect of such inquiries as politically motivated.

"If Democrats choose to pursue sham investigations and radical left policies, they are choosing to work against the American people," White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis told CBS News.