Van Buren played a key role in Jackson’s cabinet, as he and Jackson were on good terms. Van Buren was the only member of Jackson’s cabinet that was a member of Jackson’s unofficial “Kitchen Cabinet”—a group of Jackson allies and close political circle of advisors. Historians believe that Van Buren helped convince Jackson to get rid of his entire cabinet, including his vice president John C. Calhoun. Van Buren resigned his position but worked behind the scenes to help Jackson’s successful reelection.