Half of Trump’s female cabinet officials have left their posts within months

Four of Donald Trump’s eight female cabinet officials have left their posts within a few months, through resignations or dismissals. All were replaced by men.

The latest was White House press secretary Katie Zacharia, fired on Friday after only five days in the role. She had faced criticism over her first briefing and acknowledged that she had not passed the bar exam.

Trump also denied reports on Friday that White House chief of staff Susie Wiles might be replaced. Wiles is the first woman to hold the position; Trump said she would remain for a long time.

Four departures from the cabinet

Former homeland security secretary Kristi Noem was dismissed on 5 March. Her tenure was marked by controversy over immigration enforcement, the deaths of two US citizens during federal operations in Minneapolis and a $220m campaign urging immigrants to “self-deport”. Markwayne Mullin succeeded her.

Former attorney general Pam Bondi left in April after 14 months in office. Trump was frustrated by her handling of the release of the Epstein files and, according to reports, by what he regarded as insufficient prosecution of political opponents. Her deputy, Todd Blanche, took over in August.

Labor secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer also stepped down in April after an inspector general investigation and allegations of misconduct, including an affair with a subordinate and drinking at work. Keith Sonderling replaced her.

In May, Tulsi Gabbard resigned as director of national intelligence. She officially cited her husband’s diagnosis with a rare cancer, while reports said she had been forced out after a turbulent tenure. Bill Pulte served as acting director before Jay Clayton took the position.

Male officials remained in place

Defense secretary Pete Hegseth and FBI director Kash Patel remained in office despite repeated controversies and calls for their resignations. Patel has denied allegations that he was intoxicated or absent at work.

Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick also retained his position after scrutiny of his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The White House supported him when Democrats called for his resignation.

The only senior male official Trump has somewhat punished since returning to office was Mike Waltz. He was removed as national security adviser after accidentally adding a journalist to a Signal group chat where secret war plans were discussed. Waltz was later nominated as US ambassador to the United Nations.

Democrats have described the pattern as a double standard. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said in April that men in the Trump administration appeared to be rewarded for misconduct.