Trump fires Mike Waltz as national security adviser amid controversy
- Mike Waltz was involved in a significant security breach by adding a journalist to a private military discussion on a messaging app.
- Following the incident and declining influence within the White House, Waltz was dismissed along with his deputy as Trump reshapes his national security team.
- The departure of Waltz signals growing dissatisfaction within the Trump administration and a shift towards new leadership aligned with Trump's evolving policy goals.
In the United States, Mike Waltz was reportedly removed from his role as National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump amid ongoing scrutiny regarding a Signal chat incident. This event took place just several weeks after Waltz accidentally included a journalist in a private conversation discussing military strategies against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This breach raised significant concerns about security protocols within the U.S. government and triggered an internal review. Following this incident, Waltz's influence dwindled, prompting discussions of his potential ouster as the Trump administration began to reshape its National Security Council team. Waltz's departure comes during a turbulent time for the administration, as Trump faced mounting pressure to align his national security team more closely with his evolving policy objectives. Reports indicated that not only Waltz but also his deputy, Alex Nelson Wong, were dismissed, making this a notable shakeup in the White House during what many viewed as Trump's second term administration. The move is seen as part of a broader effort by Trump to shake off officials who aligned closely with the previous policies and were perceived as underperforming. Trump had expressed frustration over Waltz's handling of the Signal chat leak, particularly as it contributed to a narrative of chaos and disorganization that he had sought to avoid in his administration. Although initially offering support to Waltz, stating that he was a good man who had learned a valuable lesson, Trump reportedly grew impatient with the lingering fallout from the incident and the subsequent loss of Waltz's influence within the National Security Council. Additionally, the discussions surrounding Waltz's position indicated a possible shift towards appointing new leadership that could better reflect Trump's goals and the priorities of his administration moving forward. Speculation arose around potential replacements, including Steve Witkoff, a close associate of Trump with experience in negotiating international agreements. The alarming nature of the Signal chat incident had repercussions not only for Waltz but also affected how other officials approached internal communications, emphasizing the importance of secure methods for dialogue in sensitive government matters.