Who will leave Trump's Cabinet next?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the most likely next Cabinet departure due to a serious Hatch Act complaint and prior scrutiny, but active engagement in duties and lack of confirmed resignation keep the probability below 50%.
Analysis
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remains actively serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services with no confirmed resignation as of July 20, 2026, though he faces a new, high-impact Hatch Act complaint alleging illegal election interference that could force his departure. The complaint, filed by Sen. Ron Wyden, cites audio evidence of RFK Jr. pressuring third-party candidates to drop out in exchange for White House support, which Democrats label 'brazenly corrupt' and a clear Hatch Act violation. While this legal scrutiny significantly elevates his resignation risk compared to other Cabinet members, RFK Jr. was recently listed among officials visiting Wisconsin for administration duties, indicating he is still fully engaged in his role.
The market currently prices RFK Jr. at 34% as the next departure, which appears to underweight the severity of the Hatch Act complaint and the precedent that such violations often lead to resignations or removals for political appointees. My independent assessment raises his probability to 42% because the complaint is the most serious and recent threat to any Cabinet member’s tenure, with no other contender facing comparable active legal or political crises. However, the probability remains below 50% because RFK Jr. has not withdrawn, Trump’s administration may defend him, and the Office of Special Counsel investigation could take time without immediate action.
Comparing contenders, Pete Hegseth (15% market) and Markwayne Mullin (11% market) lack comparable active scandals, while Howard Lutnick and Susie Wiles face no public departure risks. RFK Jr.’s prior confirmation controversy over anti-vaccine rhetoric and narrow 52–48 Senate vote further weaken his long-term stability, making him the clear frontrunner for next departure despite remaining in office today.
Arguments
For
- Hatch Act complaint is the most serious and recent threat to any Cabinet member’s tenure
- Audio evidence of election interference provides strong basis for potential removal or resignation
- RFK Jr. faced prior confirmation controversy and narrow Senate vote, indicating weak long-term stability
- No other contender has comparable active legal or political crises
Against
- RFK Jr. remains actively serving with no confirmed resignation as of July 20, 2026
- Trump administration may defend him and delay investigation outcomes
- Investigation could take time without immediate action forcing departure
- Political pressure may subside if investigation finds no Hatch Act violation
Key drivers
- Hatch Act complaint alleging illegal election interference with audio evidence
- RFK Jr. remains actively engaged in Cabinet duties with no confirmed resignation
- Prior confirmation controversy over anti-vaccine rhetoric and narrow Senate vote
- No other Cabinet member faces comparable active legal or political scrutiny
Risk factors
- Trump administration may defend RFK Jr. and delay or block investigation outcomes
- Office of Special Counsel investigation could take months without immediate resignation
- RFK Jr. has not previously withdrawn or resigned from any position
- Political pressure may subside if investigation finds no violation
Scenarios
Best case
Office of Special Counsel finds no Hatch Act violation, RFK Jr. retains position, and another Cabinet member departs first due to unrelated issues.
Most likely
Investigation proceeds slowly with political pressure mounting; RFK Jr. resigns within 3–6 months amid scrutiny, becoming the next Cabinet departure.
Worst case
Investigation confirms violation, RFK Jr. is forced to resign or is removed by Trump within weeks, making him the next departure.
Outcomes
| Outcome | AI | MKT |
|---|---|---|
| Robert F. Kennedy Jr. | 42% | 34% |
| Pete Hegseth | 18% | 15% |
| Markwayne Mullin | 14% | 11% |
| Howard Lutnick | 12% | 9% |
| Susie Wiles | 14% | 9% |
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