Full Breakdown
Record Turnover of Senate-Confirmed Officials in President Trump’s Second Term
7/23/2026, 5:09:46 AM
Core Turnover Figures
The nonprofit Partnership for Public Service reports that 27 Senate-confirmed officials have left their posts during the first 18 months of President Donald Trump’s second term, representing 11.4 % of all confirmed officials. This figure more than doubles the 11 departures recorded in the comparable period of Trump’s first term and exceeds the total turnover in the first 18 months of the administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The analysis notes that four officials exited in the first two weeks of July alone, including former Energy Department chief financial officer Tina Pierce and former Veterans Affairs undersecretary for health Maj. Gen. John Bartrum.
Comparison to Prior Administrations
NBC News cites the same Partnership data to show that only one Senate-confirmed Cabinet official left during President Biden’s first year, seven during Obama’s second term, and five during Bush’s second term. Brookings’ separate study finds that, when broader senior staff are considered, 31 % of influential decision-makers in Trump’s second year turned over, compared with 8 % in Biden’s first year and 9 % in Obama’s first year. In the second year, turnover among Trump’s decision-makers fell to 7 %, versus 35 % for Biden and 15 % for Obama.
Departments With Highest Departures
Departures have been concentrated in three Cabinet departments. The Department of Homeland Security saw Kristi Noem leave her secretary role; the Department of Justice lost Pam Bondi; and the Department of Labor saw Lori Chavez-DeRemer exit. Both Noem and Bondi were dismissed, while Chavez-DeRemer resigned amid an inspector-general investigation. The Health and Human Services Department recorded four departures under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Treasury Department saw six officials leave under Secretary Scott Bessent.
Context and Implications
The turnover includes a mix of firings, resignations and reassignments. NBC News notes that some officials, such as former IRS commissioner Billy Long, were removed and later confirmed to new posts, while others like CDC Director Susan Monarez were dismissed after alleged political pressure. Brookings’ findings suggest that, despite the high rate of Senate-confirmed exits, overall staff churn in Trump’s second term aligns with historical patterns for senior advisors who do not require Senate confirmation. The sustained departures raise questions about administrative stability and the capacity of departments to maintain continuity amid frequent leadership changes.
