After Republicans suffered a heavy defeat in the 2026 midterm elections, losing control of both the House and Senate, cracks have opened in President Donald Trump’s inner circle. The losses, widely linked to public frustration over the Iran war, have sparked intense speculation about who might leave the administration first.

Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio has drawn the most attention. Reports suggest he and his advisers are weighing options for his future, with some sources claiming he could step down to position himself for a 2028 presidential run. Rubio has publicly rejected the speculation, insisting that serving through the end of Trump’s term has always been his plan. The White House has dismissed the claims as fake news.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces sharper pressure. Critics and some lawmakers have called for his removal, blaming the unpopular Iran conflict for the Republican rout. Hegseth has pushed back in a video message, defending the war as “courageous and historic” while vowing to continue. Trump has expressed support for him, though questions about his future persist.

Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has also come under internal strain. Reports indicated growing tension with Trump over the midterm results and campaign spending. She has since resigned, with Stephen Miller named as her replacement.

The situation has been framed by some commentators as a Titanic moment for the administration. Key figures are assessing whether to stay loyal or jump ship to protect their own political prospects. Trump, meanwhile, must decide whom to keep and whom to discard as he navigates a newly hostile Congress.

The coming weeks will reveal how far the shake-up goes and whether the administration can steady itself after the electoral iceberg.