Overview
- CNN reported that senior officials have discussed potential changes at the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Energy, with any moves not expected until early next year.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly rejected the reports as "100% Fake News" and said the cabinet is not changing.
- Sources cited concerns about Corey Lewandowski’s growing influence inside DHS, while a department spokesperson acknowledged his reputation for reprimanding officials seen as slowing the agenda.
- DHS confirmed Lewandowski holds a temporary special government employee status capped at 130 workdays per year, with roughly 40 days remaining before the clock resets on Jan. 20.
- Accounts described a tense September Oval Office meeting over DHS management, even as Trump continues to praise Secretary Kristi Noem, and allies have floated Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin as a potential contender if vacancies emerge.