Trump's Second-Term Cabinet: More Women, But High Turnover Among Female Officials

President Donald Trump’s second-term Cabinet included a higher percentage of women than his first term and more than his Republican predecessors. Yet, in less than two months, three women have resigned from their posts.

According to Axios research—excluding acting members—three female Cabinet members have exited the administration. The departures are not unexpected, as all three faced bipartisan pressure over various controversies and scandals.

Recent Resignations

• Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer left for the private sector after prolonged scrutiny over misconduct allegations.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also stepped down.

Expert Perspective

"It's not that you wouldn't think that a president would let a Bondi or a Noem or a Chavez-DeRemer go. But it's why only those three and not others." — Debbie Walsh, Director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University

Male Officials Facing Scrutiny

Despite the departures, several male officials in Trump’s inner circle remain in their roles despite facing calls to resign:

• FBI Director Kash Patel and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have each faced resignation demands but remain in office.
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been accused of abusing power, with controversies predating his confirmation.

A notable exception is National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who resigned to become U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations after taking responsibility for the Signalgate scandal. Waltz remains a key figure in the administration’s messaging on the war in Iran.

Women in Trump’s Cabinet: The Numbers

Frances Perkins became the first woman in a presidential Cabinet nearly 100 years ago. Since then, around 60 women have held Cabinet positions, according to Axios’ tally. While exact counts vary, President Joe Biden holds the record for the most women in his Cabinet.

Trump has made history by appointing Susie Wiles as the first female White House chief of staff. Five women currently serve in Trump’s Cabinet:

• Susie Wiles (White House Chief of Staff)
• Linda McMahon (Education Secretary)
• Tulsi Gabbard (Director of National Intelligence)
• Kelly Loeffler (Small Business Administration Administrator)
• Brooke Rollins (Agriculture Secretary)

At one point, Trump considered dismissing Gabbard, but was dissuaded, according to Axios’ Marc Caputo.

White House Response

"President Trump has always been supported by many incredible, hardworking, and inspiring women – including those who serve in his Cabinet. Across the Trump administration, all of the agencies continue to implement the President's America First agenda." — Taylor Rogers, White House spokesman

Broader Context: DEI Rollbacks

The departures coincide with the administration’s dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal workforce. In the U.S. military, Secretary of Defense Hegseth has enforced colorblind, gender-neutral standards, leading to the removal of women who achieved historic leadership roles with little explanation.