Trump’s National Security Adviser Waltz Exits After Signal Chat Misstep Amid Staff Overhaul
Major Shakeup at the White House: National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to Depart
In a surprising turn of events, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz is set to leave his position just weeks after a contentious incident involving a journalist came to light. This marks the first significant staff change in President Donald Trump’s second term, as reported by The Associated Press.
The controversy began in March when it was revealed that Waltz had added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal chat used to discuss sensitive military operations, specifically a planned mission against Houthi militants in Yemen. The inclusion of a journalist in such discussions has raised eyebrows, leading to intense scrutiny of Waltz’s actions. Adding to the pressure, far-right ally Laura Loomer openly criticized him, urging Trump to remove aides whom she deemed insufficiently loyal to the “Make America Great Again” agenda.
Sources indicate that Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, is also expected to depart, highlighting a wave of changes in the National Security Council. The council has yet to issue a comment regarding these personnel changes.
Mike Waltz, a former three-term congressman from Florida, is the most prominent official to leave the administration since Trump took office for a second term. In this term, Trump has aimed to sidestep the chaos that defined his first four years, during which he cycled through multiple national security advisers and other key positions.
The Signal chat in question was reportedly detailed, with discussions about the timing of military operations. While Waltz accepted "full responsibility" for the messaging chain, administration officials considered it a “mistake” that ultimately did not compromise American security. Waltz claimed he did not know how Goldberg had been included in the conversation.
Despite the controversy, both Trump and the White House have publicly supported Waltz, maintaining that no classified information was shared in the text chain. Nonetheless, the pressure from voices like Loomer, who has expressed dissatisfaction with the vetting process for National Security Council staff, has put Waltz in a precarious position. Loomer accused Waltz of relying too heavily on "neocons" and individuals she deemed "not MAGA enough."
Earlier this week, Waltz was actively promoting the administration’s agreement with Ukraine concerning access to critical minerals and other resources. However, as news of his potential departure circulated, Loomer took to social media to celebrate, proclaiming “SCALP” and expressing hopes that others at the National Security Council would also be removed.
This shakeup follows a series of dismissals last month of several NSC officials, which Loomer had celebrated as a victory after meeting with Trump.
As Waltz’s exit proves to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of the Trump administration, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect national security policy and White House dynamics moving forward.
