National Security Advisory Shake-Up: Mike Waltz's Expected Departure

National security adviser Mike Waltz is poised to exit the Trump administration in the near future, marking the first significant staff change since the president took office in January, according to two individuals with knowledge of the situation.

Waltz found his position uncertain earlier this week when it became apparent that his tenure leading the National Security Council was drawing to a close, a source disclosed. Alex Wong, the deputy national security adviser, alongside other advisers, are also anticipated to leave, multiple sources indicated, though the exact timing remains unclear.

Candidates considered to temporarily replace Waltz include Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as deliberated by those familiar with the situation.

Real estate developer and Trump ally, Steve Witkoff, is being considered for the role of national security adviser, although no conclusive decision has been made. Despite his consideration, Witkoff has confided in associates that he is uninterested in the position, though they warned he might accept if President Trump directly requested.

Waltz faced challenges after losing much of his influence within the West Wing, following an incident where he mistakenly added a journalist to a chat about sensitive military operations.

President Trump contemplated dismissing him after the incident but chose not to, as he wished to avoid creating a perception of instability and potential chaos that marked his first term. However, Waltz’s reputation never truly recovered, sources revealed, and his standing eroded among top aides, with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles being notably critical even before the mishap.

As Trump’s second term advances beyond its first 100 days, there seems to be less concern about potential disarray. A change in Waltz’s position was increasingly seen as inevitable. Mark Halperin initially reported on Waltz’s likely departure.

Waltz’s declining influence was further demonstrated when Trump, prompted by right-wing activist Laura Loomer, dismissed several National Security Council staffers for perceived disloyalty. Loomer attempted to convey her concerns about Waltz during a White House meeting, intending to show Trump a 2016 ad where Waltz critiqued him. However, as she was about to share the clip, Waltz entered the room.

Capitol Hill Democrats largely responded by suggesting Trump was targeting the wrong security official, arguing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth should be replaced instead for discussing Yemen bombing targets in the same chat.

While Trump disapproved of Hegseth’s lack of discretion in sharing war plans, he chose not to replace him owing to the considerable efforts invested in his confirmation and his broader support from the MAGA base. Replacing Waltz, unlike Hegseth, would not demand a Senate confirmation.

Despite Trump’s dissatisfaction with Hegseth’s actions, his view of Waltz post-incident remained far more negative. Waltz’s blunder in allowing a journalist into a sensitive group conversation left an unresolved question for the president.

Concerning Waltz’s impending departure, foreign officials, especially in the Middle East, expressed concerns regarding his potential successor, emphasizing the importance of who would step into the national security adviser’s role. Several noted the decision was anticipated.