WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump removed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on Thursday, naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his interim replacement in a significant reorganization of the Trump administration’s national security team.
Rubio Takes Dual Role Amid First Major Trump Term Shakeup
In a surprise announcement on social media, Trump confirmed that Waltz would be nominated as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The president praised Waltz’s efforts, saying he had “worked hard to put our nation’s interests first.”
Rubio, meanwhile, becomes the first official since Henry Kissinger to hold both the roles of secretary of state and national security adviser simultaneously.
“When I have a problem, I call up Marco. He gets it solved,” Trump said at a White House event earlier in the day.
Waltz Departure Follows Signal Chat Scandal
Waltz’s removal comes after internal White House criticism and his entanglement in a March scandal involving a private Signal chat among Trump’s national security aides. One blunder included accidentally adding The Atlantic’s editor to a group chat discussing imminent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen.
Though Trump had previously expressed confidence in Waltz, frustration grew over the incident, with the president suggesting such sensitive conversations should only occur in secure settings.
Massive Personnel Turmoil Inside the NSC
Waltz’s exit caps a month of sweeping firings within the National Security Council (NSC). Since April 1, over 20 NSC staffers have been dismissed, the head of the National Security Agency has been removed, and three senior Pentagon political appointees ousted.
This wave of firings followed a White House meeting in which far-right activist Laura Loomer reportedly presented Trump with a list of “disloyal” NSC personnel. Soon after, four senior directors overseeing critical policy areas were abruptly terminated.
Some officials said morale has plummeted across the national security establishment, with qualified candidates now hesitant to join an administration perceived as unstable.
Deputy Also Removed, Defense Secretary Still Safe
In addition to Waltz, his deputy, Asia expert Alex Wong, is also being forced out. Despite the turmoil, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remains in Trump’s good graces, even after being linked to the controversial Signal threads.
Waltz was recently photographed at a Cabinet meeting using the Signal app, with visible chats involving Vice President JD Vance and Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard. The White House communications office clarified that Signal is an approved government app.
Foreign Allies Watch Closely
Waltz’s ouster could unsettle U.S. allies in Europe and Asia who viewed him as a stabilizing force committed to traditional alliances like NATO. A foreign diplomat noted concerns that his departure signals a potential shift toward more unpredictable foreign policy behavior from the Trump administration.
Trump Pushes Rubio Forward, UN Role for Waltz
The role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations — which has been vacant since Trump rescinded Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination — now awaits Waltz, pending confirmation. Meanwhile, Rubio is expected to take a more hands-on approach in coordinating national security and foreign policy.
Trump’s decision to delay this shakeup until after his 100-day mark reflects a calculated move to consolidate power within his inner circle as he pushes forward with an aggressive policy agenda both at home and abroad.
Contributing Reuters.
