Trump orders major overhaul of National Security Council staff

In the United States, a significant restructuring at the National Security Council (NSC) was implemented as part of President Donald Trump's recent decisions. This major overhaul led to more than 100 officials being placed on administrative leave as the administration sought to streamline the staff and return career government employees to their home agencies. The move is seen as an effort to reduce the influence of political appointees and reshape the NSC's role in coordinating foreign policy. This shift in policy comes after Trump's dissatisfaction with political insiders during his previous term, emphasizing a return to an approach more aligned with his 'America First' agenda. The shakeup at the NSC is also related to the ousting of former national security adviser Mike Waltz, who was criticized for his management and decision-making approaches. Trump ultimately decided to appoint Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the interim national security adviser. Many believe this strategy will enhance the importance of the State Department and Pentagon within the foreign policy advisory framework while reinvigorating traditional Republican strategies. The specifics of the restructuring included an email sent by NSC chief of staff Brian McCormack, instructing affected staff to vacate their offices within thirty minutes, a move deemed unprofessional by some. This method of dismissal raised concerns about the impact on morale within the White House as it coincided with a long holiday weekend, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and instability. It reflects ongoing turmoil within the Trump administration as the NSC continues to shift towards a more streamlined and hierarchical structure. In recent weeks, the reshaping of the NSC has led to questioning the appropriate size of its staff, reflecting how the structure and personnel of the council may further diminish its role in the policymaking process. Trump reportedly preferred a top-down decision-making model, relying on his instincts rather than traditional channels of advice, which has resulted in a liquidation of long-standing NSC staffing and a reduced emphasis on the role the council plays in national security and foreign policy coordination. The overall sense is that this reorganization is not merely administrative but indicative of a broader ideological shift within the administration’s approach to foreign policy and governance.