The White House on Friday rejected reports that President Donald Trump is preparing to reshuffle his Cabinet as he approaches the one-year mark of his second term.
The denial came after CNN reported that potential changes were being discussed for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright, citing several people familiar with internal conversations.
According to the report, no decisions had been made and any adjustments would not occur until early next year. But White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt called the account inaccurate, posting on X that Trump “could not be happier with his Cabinet.”
Leavitt posted Friday on X, “This story is 100% Fake News, and the White House repeatedly told this to CNN in the strongest possible terms. Yet they still wrote the story because their ratings are dying so they thrive off drama that does not exist. The truth is: President Trump could not be happier with his Cabinet. Shame on you, @CNN.”
Why It Matters
Trump returned to office in January and has so far maintained a more stable Cabinet than during his first term, when several secretaries — including those leading the State and Defense departments — departed following policy disputes or personal clashes with the president.
What To Know
At the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CNN reported that tension has grown around Secretary Kristi Noem’s reliance on Corey Lewandowski, her longtime ally who now holds a temporary advisory role inside the agency. Multiple officials said that Lewandowski has taken on sweeping influence over personnel decisions, disciplinary actions and key operational choices, creating frustration among senior White House aides.
Trump is said to remain personally supportive of Noem, but sources told CNN he was recently briefed about concerns involving Lewandowski, whose conduct prompted a contentious Oval Office meeting in September with Trump and Noem. Lewandowski’s long and turbulent history with Trump — from managing his 2016 campaign to being repeatedly sidelined and brought back — has added to the internal unease, according to the network.
When reached for comment, DHS referred Newsweek to its comments to CNN and Leavitt’s comments on social media.
A DHS spokesperson told CNN, “Mr. Lewandowski certainly has reputation of reprimanding officials who impede or slow down the administration and undermine the will of the American people—the American people voted for Donald J. Trump, not a bureaucrat.”
At the Energy Department (DOE), Secretary Chris Wright has also faced scrutiny from some inside the administration. CNN reports that certain White House officials believe Wright has been slow to advance elements of Trump’s energy-dominance agenda and has contributed to turnover in senior posts. Both Wright and the department strongly denied those claims to CNN, noting recent praise from Trump.
What People Are Saying
DOE chief spokesperson Ben Dietderich said in a statement shared with Newsweek, “Just last week, President Trump called Secretary Wright “the number one energy person anywhere in the world. No serious person is buying this anonymously sourced fake news.”
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told CNN, “The tremendous results coming from the Department of Homeland Security – a historically secure border, safer American communities, and successful deportations of criminal illegal aliens – at President Trump’s direction and under Secretary Noem’s leadership, speak for themselves.”
What Happens Next
CNN also reports that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is viewed within Trump’s orbit as a possible contender if vacancies emerge. While no formal discussions have taken place, allies told the network that Youngkin would be interested in a Cabinet role — particularly one focused on economic or business policy rather than immigration enforcement. Trump has publicly praised the term-limited governor, though Youngkin has not commented on any future plans.
Updates: 11/21/25, 2:23 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Updates: 11/21/25, 3:41 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Updates: 11/21/25, 5:17 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
