Personnel chaos in Trump's cabinet.

The continuous personnel changes within US President Donald Trump's cabinet and his efforts to reform the administration are being met with skepticism by Republicans on Capitol Hill, according toCNN.

Gina Haspel, Trump's nominee to replace Mike Pompeo as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), is causing concern among Republican senators due to her role in overseeing a controversial interrogation and detention program. Meanwhile, at least one Republican and several Democrats in the Senate have voiced their opposition to the future State Department leader, Mike Pompeo.

On the other hand, disagreements currently exist within the US national security agency regarding the information that John Bolton, a hawkish figure, may replace HR McMaster as national security advisor.

Some Republican senators have warned that the White House is putting too much pressure on lawmakers with too many nominations. "With everything we have to do here, confirming just two more positions is already a challenge," said Republican Senator John Cornyn.

However, despite the turmoil within the administration, President Trump has given indications of his eagerness to reshuffle his cabinet. On March 13, Trump asserted that he was "very close" to the cabinet he desired.

Anxiety

Widespread personnel changes continue to exacerbate the turmoil that has gripped the West Wing of the White House for the past few weeks, leaving many officials feeling uneasy. Several White House sources told CNN they feel like they are walking in the dark, anxiously wondering who will be fired or resign next. This uncertainty has contributed to low staff morale and has been ongoing for months.

The West Wing is still grappling with changes: McMaster may be facing the risk of being replaced. Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin and the Housing and Urban Development Secretary are also in jeopardy. There are even rumors that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly will leave at some point. Questions surrounding Kelly's future have led his closest advisors to consider seeking other work outside the administration, according to a Republican source close to the White House.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on March 15, President Trump dismissed reports of a large-scale reshuffle but added that there would "always be change." "I think you'll want to see change," he said. "I'd also like to see different ideas."

If President Trump is indeed aiming to fix the bureaucracy, the official most at risk of being dismissed is Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has endured criticism, ridicule, and mockery longer than any other cabinet member. However, firing him is quite complicated.

For months, friends and advisers to President Trump have successfully persuaded him not to fire Attorney General Sessions. However, the White House has not given up. The White House is currently discussing whether Environmental Protection Agency Director Scott Pruitt could become the next Attorney General if President Trump does fire Sessions, according to a Republican source familiar with the matter.

Pruitt, the former Oklahoma attorney general, was among the candidates for the Justice Department leadership position. President Trump ultimately chose Sessions, a decision he regrets, according to a senior White House official.

Many Republican senators believe that firing Sessions risks provoking bipartisan opposition and reigniting questions about whether President Trump is acting to obstruct the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the US election.

"I would be surprised, disappointed, and worried" if Sessions were fired, said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "It would be very difficult to find a replacement. Right now is a difficult time to confirm someone like that. I think Jeff has done a good job."

Chuck Grassley, the committee chairman, asserted that his agenda was complete and that he would not hold confirmation hearings for a replacement. Grassley made this clear back in July of last year, when rumors of Sessions' possible dismissal began to surface.

At the same time, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, also urged Trump not to act, warning that the confirmation process for a new nominee would be extremely difficult, according to a source familiar with the matter.

"I spoke about it a year ago and I have nothing new to add," Grassley stated on March 14. "I don't want to repeat what I said six months ago here today, but I think firing Sessions wasn't a wise option."

In addition to Attorney General Sessions, Republican members of Congress are also working to protect other cabinet officials, including Shulkin. There are rumors that President Trump wants to replace him.

Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson and Tennessee Representative Phil Roe have voiced their confidence in Veterans Affairs Secretary Shulkin. "I believe Shulkin is doing an excellent job," Roe said. "I certainly would hate to see him leave."

Vu Hoang