IBM to end visa, green card sponsorship for roles in biggest unit after Trump administration's crackdown

Two years into Donald Trump's presidency, a concerning trend emerges: a rapid decline in the number of women occupying high-ranking positions within his administration. When Trump began his second term, he boasted about the unprecedented number of women in top roles, with eight out of over 20 positions held by female officials. However, just 18 months later, the count has dwindled to merely three women remaining: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Kelly Loeffler, who oversees the Small Business Administration.

The most significant losses occurred in a span of just three months during spring 2025, with the departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, followed by Trump's top federal prosecutor Pam Bondi, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard. The latest exit was that of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who announced her resignation one day after Republicans suffered a major defeat in the midterm elections.

Debates about the administration's treatment of women in high-ranking roles have intensified. Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned whether Trump has the ability to "fire female secretaries," highlighting a potential double standard that rewards male misconduct. Professor Karrin Vasby Anderson from Colorado State University pointed out that Trump predominantly hires women for their appearance rather than merit. She noted that when women fail to meet his expectations, they are quickly replaced by men.

Trump's consistent defense of male figures, especially those promoting sexist and anti-immigration agendas, further highlights the administration's prioritization of political allegiance over gender diversity. For instance, he has stood by Stephen Miller despite public criticism of his violent immigration policies and the FBI Director scandal. Notably, only one male — Mike Waltz — was not replaced after losing his position, as he was later appointed as the ambassador to the United Nations.

The vacancy left by Susie Wiles has yet to be filled, and even a prominent female figure like Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary ever, has departed. While Trump has appointed a hard-right ideologue to fill Wiles' role, the administration faces significant challenges in maintaining a balanced and effective female presence in its leadership.