Story perspectives

Trump's Second Term: 29% Senior Staff Turnover Revealed

1/20/2026

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Center

Trump's Staff Stability

One year into U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, Cabinet turnover is zero and senior staff turnover is 29%, per Brookings Institution analyst Kathryn Dunn Tenpas.
That 29% senior staff turnover contrasts with 2017, when senior staff turnover was 35%.
The administration emphasizes loyalty, reducing high-profile exits and boosting promotions, including Mike Waltz, U.S. representative, becoming U.N. ambassador.
Nevertheless, turnover remains significant among career officials in departments like State and Defense, signaling ongoing instability.

Left

Wiles Maneuvers Trump

Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff, is shaping U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictability.
Bandy X. Lee suggests Wiles could help curb Trump’s volatility amid concerns about his influence.
Past chiefs of staff struggled to impose discipline, creating ongoing challenges for Wiles.
A Vanity Fair profile revealed her candid views on Trump and others, sparking debate.
Trump defended her after backlash, but questions remain about reconciling moderate values with chaos.

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Trump's Staff Stability

One year into U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, Cabinet turnover is zero and senior staff turnover is 29%, per Brookings Institution analyst Kathryn Dunn Tenpas.
That 29% senior staff turnover contrasts with 2017, when senior staff turnover was 35%.
The administration emphasizes loyalty, reducing high-profile exits and boosting promotions, including Mike Waltz, U.S. representative, becoming U.N. ambassador.
Nevertheless, turnover remains significant among career officials in departments like State and Defense, signaling ongoing instability.

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