Personnel chaos in Trump's cabinet

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

Gina Haspel, Trump’s nominee to replace Mike Pompeo, who was nominated to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, as CIA director, is causing concern among Senate Republicans over her role in overseeing a controversial interrogation and detention program. Meanwhile, at least one Republican and several Senate Democrats have expressed opposition to Mike Pompeo’s future State Department leader.

On the other hand, there are also disagreements within the US national security agency over the news that Mr. John Bolton, a person with hawkish views, could replace Mr. HR McMaster as national security advisor.

Some Senate Republicans have warned that the White House is pressuring lawmakers with too many nominations. "Given all that we have to do here, confirming two more is a challenge enough," said Republican Sen. John Cornyn.

Despite the turmoil within the administration, however, President Trump has signaled how eager he is to shake up his cabinet. On March 13, Trump asserted that he is “very close” to having the cabinet he has always wanted.

Insecurity

The plans for a massive staff shakeup add to the chaos that has engulfed the West Wing in recent weeks and has left many officials feeling uncertain. Several White House sources told CNN they feel like they are walking in the dark, wondering who will be fired or resign next. The uncertainty has contributed to low morale among staffers, a situation that has been going on for months.

The West Wing is still grappling with change: McMaster may be in danger of being replaced, as may Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin and Housing and Urban Development Secretary John Kelly. There are even rumors that White House chief of staff John Kelly could leave at some point. Questions about Kelly’s future have prompted his closest advisers to consider looking for jobs 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 major personnel shakeup but added that "there will always be changes." "I think you want to see changes," he said. "I want to see different ideas."

If President Trump is truly aiming to overhaul the administration, the official most at risk of leaving is Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has endured criticism, ridicule and ridicule longer than any other cabinet member. But firing him is complicated.

For months, President Trump’s friends and advisers have been trying to convince him not to fire Attorney General Sessions. But the president has not given up. The White House is currently discussing whether Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt could become the next attorney general if President Trump does fire Sessions, according to a Republican source familiar with the matter.

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

Many Senate Republicans said that firing Mr. Sessions risks provoking bipartisan protests and rekindling questions about whether President Trump is acting to complicate the investigation into suspected Russian interference in the US election.

“I would be surprised, disappointed and concerned” 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 replace him. It’s a difficult time to confirm a position like this. I think Jeff has done a good job.”

Chuck Grassley, the committee chairman, has said his agenda is full and he will not hold a confirmation hearing on a replacement, a position he made clear last July when rumors of Sessions’ possible removal surfaced.

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

“I said it a year ago and I have nothing new to add,” Grassley said on March 14. “I don’t want to say what I said six months ago here today, but I think firing Sessions is not a wise choice.”

In addition to Attorney General Sessions, congressional Republicans are working to protect other cabinet officials, including Shulkin, who is widely rumored to be in Trump’s interest in replacing.

Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson and Tennessee Rep. Phil Roe have both expressed confidence in Veterans Affairs Secretary Shulkin. "I believe Mr. Shulkin is doing an excellent job," Roe said. "I certainly hate to see him leave."

Vu Hoang