In the past few days, more high-ranking officials within the Pentagon and President Trump’s cabinet have stepped down amid scrutiny. In a statement from White House Communications Director Steven Cheung on April 20, the administration announced that Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, is leaving her post for a role in the private sector. 

The announcement came after months of internal investigation into Chavez-DeRemer over allegations of misconduct, inappropriate behavior and other complaints from staff within the Department of Labor. 

In the same statement, Cheung announced that Keith Sonderling will serve as Acting Secretary of Labor until President Trump appoints someone new to head the department. Sonderling has served as Deputy Secretary of Labor since 2025 and previously served on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 2019 to 2024.

The departure of Chavez-DeRemer marks the third cabinet-level exit of Trump’s second term since early March. The two prior being former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Attorney General Pam Bondi. 

Additionally, the Pentagon has also undergone staffing changes recently, with the removal of Navy Secretary John Phelan. During his time at the Pentagon, Phelan clashed with other senior leaders, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Phelan was a keen advocate for the “Golden Fleet,” a significant investment package for the Navy that would add new ships, including a “Trump-class” battleship. 

Phelan is not the first high-level Pentagon official to be removed this year. Army Chief of Staff, General Randy George, was removed at the beginning of April. 

The ouster of officials like Phelan and George marks the growing friction between Secretary Hegseth and other senior defense leaders.