Washington, D.C. — FBI Director Kash Patel could be the next senior Trump administration official to depart, Politico reports, as speculation grows inside White House circles.
A senior White House official, speaking on background, told Politico “It’s only a matter of time” regarding Patel’s potential exit. The official said rising negative media attention around Patel has become “not a good look for a Cabinet secretary,” and that President Trump is increasingly frustrated by the distraction.
There has been no official confirmation from the White House about Patel’s status. The report comes amid a string of recent departures and personnel shifts at the senior levels of the administration, prompting questions about further changes as summer approaches.
The news follows the Department of the Navy’s announcement that Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is leaving immediately; Undersecretary Hung Cao has been named Acting Secretary. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed Phelan’s exit on X and thanked him for his service.
Since March, at least five senior officials have left or been removed. Earlier this month, General Randy George unexpectedly retired as Army Chief of Staff; he had been expected to remain in the role until fall 2027. Two other senior Army leaders were also removed: General David Hodne, who had taken command of Army Training and Doctrine Command in October, and Major General William Green Jr., the Army’s chief of chaplains.
Pam Bondi was removed as U.S. Attorney General after a 14-month tenure. President Trump called her a “Great American Patriot and a loyal friend” and said she would move to a private-sector role. Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal lawyer, is serving as acting Attorney General pending a permanent appointment.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned this week for a private-sector position amid scrutiny over alleged misconduct, including questions about personal travel on taxpayer-funded trips. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung said Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling will serve as acting head.
In March, Kristi Noem left her post as Homeland Security Secretary and was reassigned as “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.” Senator Markwayne Mullin was announced as her replacement.
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