Trump team braces for mass White House shake-up if Republicans lose midterms

As the November 3 midterm elections approach, insiders report that the Trump administration is preparing for a possible large-scale staff overhaul if Republicans fail to retain control of Congress. The uncertainty has fostered deep infighting and a lack of confidence among aides, with some fearing that the president may fire key figures to shift blame. Among those potentially at risk is NIH head Jay Bhattacharya, who recently disputed budget director Russell Vought over political influence over grant funding.

The White House has already experienced a wave of departures, including press secretaries Katie Zacharia and Karoline Leavitt, deputy national security adviser Andy Baker, and several senior communications staff. These exits, combined with the looming electoral defeat, have left the inner circle scrambling to manage damage control and maintain cohesion.