U.S. President Donald Trump walks to board Marine One, followed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, NY, U.S., August 14, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno
President Donald Trump's inner circle has started to splinter as concerns grow over the commander-in-chief's behavior ahead of the midterms, insiders revealed on Friday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was the latest to announce her departure this week, and three other officials have exited this summer, with more expected to depart, according to The Daily Beast.
"Trump has also ignored concerns about his health and obstinately refused to stay on message during the crucial run-up to the midterm elections," The Beast reported.
"The fear in the West Wing is that administration staff will be vulnerable if the wheels come off in the administration with a massive defeat in November and a lame-duck president," according to The Beast.
Aside from Leavitt's withdrawal, another senior Trump aide announced he was resigning this week. Deputy national security adviser Andy Baker, a close ally to Vice President JD Vance, also plans to leave, saying he plans to spend more time with family.
"He was involved in some earlier negotiations with Iran, but leaves with the war still raging and no obvious exit route," The Beast reported.
White House Counsel David Warrington, Trump's former personal attorney, stepped down several weeks ago as the president's top legal adviser.
"Warrington played an important part in Trump’s attempts to expand his presidential powers as he sent troops into U.S. cities, deported undocumented immigrants and unveiled his ill-fated tariffs," according to The Beast.
He helped rubber-stamp Trump's free jumbo jet from Qatar.
Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson, who worked closely with Leavitt, also announced she would leave her role.