President Donald Trump has removed Mike Waltz from his role as National Security Adviser and nominated him to serve as US Ambassador to the United Nations. The move follows weeks of internal tension and a critical misstep in which Waltz accidentally added a journalist to a secure Signal group chat discussing classified military operations. While Trump initially hesitated to remove him to avoid political fallout, sources say Waltz's standing never fully recovered.
Senator Marco Rubio, currently serving as Secretary of State, will temporarily take on the role of National Security Adviser as well, marking his fourth role in the administration. Trump had previously hesitated to remove Waltz to avoid turmoil, but ultimately lost confidence in him.
Waltz's nomination to the UN could face a tough confirmation process in the Senate, and some insiders suggest Trump doesn't view the ambassadorship as a top-tier position. The president previously delayed nominating a replacement after his first choice, Rep. Elise Stefanik, opted to remain in Congress.
Waltz's ouster marks the first major shakeup of Trump's second term. While others involved in the Signal leak, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, remain in place, Trump reportedly considered Hegseth's role too politically costly to change. Meanwhile, critics argue that Hegseth's conduct was more dangerous, as he allegedly disclosed strike details that could have put US military personnel at risk.
The reshuffle signals a new phase in the Trump White House, where the optics of stability are now less of a priority than consolidating trusted loyalists in key roles.
