Trump doubles down on loyalty, keeping aides intact in a steadier second term

Axios reports that President Trump is resisting firing senior aides in his second term, preferring to move personnel rather than oust them. After the killing of Alex Pretti, Trump faced calls to dismiss Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem but did not remove her; the only major change cited was moving Mike Waltz from national security adviser to UN ambassador, with Greg Bovino reassigned instead of fired. Analysts attribute the shift to a desire for stability, a display of strength, and to avoid new confirmation fights in a narrowly divided Senate. Other officials have faced scrutiny without being ousted, highlighting a pattern of prioritizing loyalty and continuity, though the president could still act if new disloyalty or criminal negligence were proven.