Biographer Claims Majority of Trump White House Staff Seeking New Opportunities
Maggie Haberman says most of Trump’s White House employees are looking to leave, noting a tense atmosphere and recent press secretary exit.
Biographer and a reporter at one outlet told MS Now that the Trump administration’s White House is “not a happy” environment, with most employees already considering new positions. She attributed the sour mood to President Trump’s “lashing out” and the typical turnover that accompanies midterm cycles. The latest high-profile resignation came from press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who announced she will leave to spend more time with her husband and two young children, despite Trump’s reported reluctance to lose her.
Sources said Trump had been calling Leavitt frequently during her maternity leave and that her departure had been in the works for months. The White House responded by attacking Haberman, with spokesman Davis Ingle criticizing her coverage. Trump has yet to announce a replacement, but maintains that Leavitt will remain an influential voice for the GOP and return to MAGA Inc.
Why it matters
Staff turnover signals internal instability that could affect the administration’s ability to govern during a pivotal election year.
How this story developed
- Aug 15 War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Iowa Campaign Stops Fuel Talk of Future Political Run
- Aug 17 While honoring teen lifeguard Ryder Williams and rescued boy Nathaniel Rai, Trump turned to the press and ordered Holmes to be quiet, labeling her “fake news.” He repeated the admonishment, directing the question to the child. The incident echoed earlier attacks on journalists.
- Aug 18 Trump added claims of direct contact with Kim Jong Un and demands on South Korea during the same briefing.
- Aug 18 Megyn Kelly condemned Senator Jon Ossoff’s remarks about President Trump’s close aide Natalie Harp, calling the attack on the 35-year-old cancer survivor despicable.
- Aug 19 Scott Jennings reacted angrily on his broadcast after Ossoff mentioned Harp.
- Aug 19 Former Obama adviser David Axelrod argued that Senator Jon Ossoff’s mention of Natalie Harp in a recent speech was unnecessary and took focus away from his broader attack on Donald Trump.
- Aug 20 Trump ordered an internal inquiry after private letters with Harp were leaked.
- Aug 20 Ossoff’s Atlanta rally comment about Harp provoked a profane tweet from White House communications director Steven Cheung and condemnations from several conservative figures.
- Aug 22 David Axelrod publicly rebuked Ossoff’s reference to Natalie Harw as unnecessary.
- Aug 24 Mike Collins’ poll numbers rose after the controversy.
- Aug 25 The satire aired, specifically naming Hegseth as part of the small plane crew.
In this story
Related stories
20 in this thread