Nielsen also has other supporters, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who have told Trump that Nielsen cannot control the border crossing rate.

Much like several since-fired officials before her, Nielsen — who stood next to Trump with hands clasped at a Friday photo-op to tout new cybersecurity legislation — has carried on with her duties well after Trump has signaled he wants her gone.

Kelly’s bid to save Nielsen may be motivated in part by an understanding that, with Nielsen gone, he would be almost completely isolated in an administration that several of his onetime allies have departed. But the retired Marine general and his former top aide are hardly the only ones whose jobs are at risk in what could be one of the most dramatic Cabinet and staff shakeups in modern presidential history.