Following the dismissal of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, sources indicate President Trump is evaluating additional personnel changes amid declining approval ratings.
Bondi’s Removal Signals Broader Reset
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was removed from her position on Thursday, marking the second recent departure from Trump’s cabinet. These changes are viewed as an attempt to reset the administration, which currently faces political challenges and unfavorable polling data.
Performance and Scrutiny Driving Changes
According to Politico sources, the shake-up at the cabinet level stems from Trump’s assessment that certain members have “not delivered expected results or have attracted too much negative attention.”
Lutnick’s Position Under Review
Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce, is reportedly facing scrutiny. While a White House spokesperson stated Lutnick and Lori Chavez-DeRemer are performing well and have the President’s full support, another administration official indicated Lutnick is “on thin ice.”
Positive Assessments Contradict Concerns
An official praised Lutnick’s work on trade deals, pharmaceuticals, Japan, tariffs, and his firm stance towards Canada, noting the President appreciates this approach. However, the same source acknowledged Trump has previously considered removing Lutnick, but has not yet acted.
Chavez-DeRemer Faces Investigation
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is under investigation by the Department of Labor’s Inspector General, facing allegations of alcohol consumption during work hours and a romantic relationship with a security officer. The investigation also examines potential misuse of official events to facilitate personal travel. Chavez-DeRemer denies the accusations.
Lutnick’s Long-Standing Ties and Controversies
Lutnick’s potential departure has been speculated about in Washington for some time. A long-time friend of Trump, Lutnick reportedly lacks broad support within the administration and is perceived as abrasive. He has also gained a reputation for presenting the President with underdeveloped ideas.
Epstein Connections and Financial Scrutiny
Trump has reportedly expressed negative opinions regarding potential benefits the Lutnick family has received due to his position. Cantor Fitzgerald, where Lutnick’s sons work, denies any conflict of interest but acknowledged 2025 was a “record year.” Lutnick’s name also appeared in the Epstein files.
Trump Seeks to Improve Poll Numbers
Politico reports Trump views these changes as an opportunity to improve his polling numbers. The restructuring could represent the most significant overhaul of Trump’s cabinet and potentially include announcements of “changes in the economy.”
Meetings and Appointments
Trump met with Lee Zeldin, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, on Tuesday to discuss last year’s California wildfires and the possibility of Zeldin taking Bondi’s position. On Thursday, Trump appointed Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General.