John Bolton National security adviser

John Bolton National security adviser Why it could be Bolton’s title and job responsibilities, combined with the national security concerns raised in the piece, mean he has to be considered. Why it’s probably not Trump’s pick to replace H.R. McMaster (who would have been high on the list of suspects were he still in the administration), he's a fairly recent addition to the staff and not one who has reportedly fallen out of favor with the president.

Daniel Coats Director of national intelligence

Daniel Coats Director of national intelligence Why it could be He's the top intelligence official in the country, overseeing what many Trump supporters deride as the "deep state." He was very publicly not on the same page with the president earlier this summer, when he was caught off guard during a live interview about Trump's invitation to Vladimir Putin to visit the United States. Why it’s probably not Other than at that event in Aspen, he hasn't publicly criticized Trump.

Gina Haspel Central Intelligence Agency director

Gina Haspel Central Intelligence Agency director Why it could be Over 30 years, she rose through the ranks to be the first woman to lead the agency and has shown deep commitment to its officers, particularly those in the clandestine service. Why it’s probably not Trump elevated her relatively recently, and she's never exhibited a real desire to stand up to him. Her press secretary issued a one-word denial: "No!"

John F. Kelly White House chief of staff

John F. Kelly White House chief of staff Why it could be Trump has made his life consistently difficult, to say the least, and multiple reports (including from Bob Woodward's new book) quote him deriding Trump and saying he hates his job. Also a military man who would definitely be in a position to keep Trump in check and would be aware of such efforts. Why it’s probably not Like Mattis, he's likely to follow the military chain of command. He is staying through 2020, which would make the timing of this suspect.

Jim Mattis Defense secretary

Jim Mattis Defense secretary Why it could be A few reported incidents in Woodward's forthcoming book, including one in which he compares Trump to a "fifth or sixth grader," meant Mattis and Trump's relationship was already under the microscope. Why it’s probably not Has avoided even implicit criticism of Trump. As a military man, would likely balk at publicly undercutting commander in chief, given chain of command, etc.

Mike Pompeo State department secretary

Mike Pompeo State department secretary Why it could be Has served as the head of two agencies that Trump has at times been critical of and are deeply intertwined with Trump’s foreign policy, an arena that seemed to be of deep concern to the author. Why it’s probably not Seen as loyal to Trump, who in turn is said to like him very much and was eager to make him secretary of State based on his performance as CIA director.

Christopher A. Wray FBI director