Washington — In a significant development within the Biden administration, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz is set to leave his position, just weeks after a controversial incident involving the addition of a journalist to a private Signal chat focused on military operations. This exit marks the first major staff shake-up during President Donald Trump’s second term, as reported by two individuals familiar with the situation on Thursday.
Waltz faced intense scrutiny following revelations in March that he had added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private text chain on the encrypted messaging platform Signal. This chat was utilized to discuss strategies for a sensitive military operation against Houthi militants in Yemen, scheduled for March 15. The controversy surrounding this decision raised serious questions about the integrity of communication protocols within the National Security Council.
Adding to the turmoil, far-right ally of President Trump, Laura Loomer, has publicly criticized Waltz, urging the President to purge aides who she believes lack loyalty to the Make America Great Again agenda. Loomer’s influence appears to be growing, as she has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the current National Security Council's composition and has been advocating for a shift towards more ideologically aligned personnel.
Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, is also expected to exit the White House, according to unnamed sources familiar with the matter. The National Security Council has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding these personnel changes.
Mike Waltz, who previously served three terms in the House of Representatives from Florida, has been one of the most high-profile officials to leave the administration since President Trump resumed his duties. The President has aimed to avoid the chaotic turnover that characterized his initial four years, during which the administration cycled through four national security advisers, four White House chiefs of staff, and two secretaries of state.
Waltz had previously accepted “full responsibility” for the creation of the controversial Signal chat, which also included sensitive information about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s shared details regarding the timing of military operations. Despite the backlash, the White House has maintained that no classified information was disclosed through the messaging chain.
As Waltz’s situation evolved, he consistently asserted that he did not know how Goldberg came to be included in the chat. Despite the controversy, President Trump and his administration publicly supported Waltz during this turbulent period. However, Loomer’s public commentary has intensified pressure on Waltz, as she has been vocal about her exclusion from the National Security Council’s selection process.
Waltz’s appearances on television continued even as reports of his potential departure circulated. He recently promoted an agreement with Kyiv, which would allow the U.S. to access Ukraine’s critical minerals and natural resources. Loomer, however, took to the social media platform X to claim responsibility for Waltz’s impending exit, highlighting her influence within certain circles of the administration.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing questions regarding Hegseth's role in the Signal chat. While Waltz initiated the chat, Hegseth disclosed sensitive timings for military operations, raising concerns over potential security breaches. Reports have indicated that Hegseth may have circumvented Pentagon security protocols, potentially exposing classified information to risks of hacking or surveillance.
The Pentagon Inspector General is currently investigating Hegseth’s use of Signal, adding to the scrutiny he faces from both Democrats and some Republican colleagues. Despite these controversies, President Trump has publicly expressed confidence in Hegseth’s capabilities.
As the situation unfolds, the departure of Waltz could signal further changes within the National Security Council, as President Trump continues to navigate a complex political landscape amid ongoing scrutiny and challenges.
