National security adviser Mike Waltz is anticipated to leave the Trump administration in the coming days, marking the first significant staff reshuffle since President Donald Trump assumed office in January. This development comes amid reports that Waltz's role as head of the National Security Council is coming to an end, as confirmed by two sources familiar with the situation.
Waltz's position has been precarious since earlier this week when it became clear that his tenure leading the National Security Council was facing termination. An insider revealed that the atmosphere around Waltz had been tense, exacerbated by a recent incident where he inadvertently included a journalist in a group chat discussing highly sensitive military operations. This misstep led to speculation about his future, with President Trump considering his dismissal at one point.
However, Trump ultimately chose not to fire Waltz, fearing it would give his adversaries an undeserved victory and wishing to avoid the chaos that characterized his initial term. Despite Trump's initial support, Waltz's influence within the West Wing has significantly diminished over time, with several insiders noting that he has lost favor with key aides.
As discussions about Waltz's future unfold, Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and a personal friend of Trump, is reportedly under consideration to replace him as national security adviser. Witkoff has been involved in diplomatic discussions with Russia and Iran, aligning with Trump's aspirations for international agreements. However, no official decision regarding this potential replacement has been made yet.
Waltz's standing within the administration has been further eroded by internal dynamics. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has been particularly critical of Waltz, expressing dissatisfaction even before the incident involving the messaging app. As Trump marks 100 days into his second term, his concern for maintaining an appearance of order seems to have lessened, leading many to believe that Waltz's departure is inevitable.
Sources familiar with the situation have increasingly described Waltz's potential ouster as a matter of “when, not if.” His waning influence was also illustrated by Trump's recent decisions to dismiss several staff members from the National Security Council at the urging of far-right activist Laura Loomer, who labeled them as disloyal.
On Tuesday, Waltz was seen boarding Marine One with Trump; however, he remained behind when other colleagues boarded Air Force One shortly after. This move raised eyebrows among administration aides, with one White House official stating that it was unusual for Waltz to not accompany the president on the trip to Michigan.
In the days leading up to this expected departure, some officials within the administration began quietly discussing a potential off-ramp for Waltz. Trump's frustrations with him have been well-documented, particularly following the Signal app incident and concerns regarding the Florida congressional race to replace him, which was closer than anticipated.
Discussions surrounding Waltz have revolved around finding him a soft landing in a different role within the administration while preparing for a new national security adviser. However, on Thursday, one official indicated that the search for a new position for Waltz was no longer a primary concern, stating, “President Trump lost confidence in him a while ago.”
This ongoing situation reflects the volatile nature of staffing within the Trump administration, where loyalty and performance are continually scrutinized. As the story develops, more details will emerge regarding Waltz's departure and the potential shift in leadership within the National Security Council.
