US President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz following a group chat leak scandal, nominating him instead as the next ambassador to the United Nations.
The move marks the first major cabinet reshuffle of Trump’s second term. The president confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will temporarily assume the role of National Security Adviser.
“From the battlefield to Congress and the White House, Mike Waltz has always put America first,” Trump wrote on Truth Social while announcing the decision.
However, the 51-year-old former special forces officer and Florida congressman had been under pressure since the “Signalgate” scandal erupted in March. Waltz had accidentally added the editor of The Atlantic to a Signal group chat discussing US airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
“I’m deeply honoured to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation,” Waltz said on X following the announcement.
Despite public support, Trump reportedly lost confidence in Waltz over the leak. Tensions also grew behind the scenes due to Waltz’s aggressive stance on Russia and Iran, which clashed with the administration’s current diplomatic approach.
Trump has been seeking a swift ceasefire deal in Ukraine and recently reopened negotiations with Tehran regarding its nuclear programme. Waltz’s hardline views put him increasingly at odds with this new direction.
Ultimately, Waltz lasted just over 100 days in his post—one of the shorter tenures for a US National Security Adviser. Trump’s second term has otherwise seen more personnel stability compared to his first.
Democrats have now shifted attention to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also reportedly shared sensitive details about airstrikes in the same Signal group. He allegedly sent this information in a separate chat involving his wife.
“Now do Hegseth,” Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer posted on X, urging further action.
‘Scalp’ Claim by Conspiracy Theorist
Despite the controversy, Trump has continued to defend Hegseth, a former Fox News contributor, dismissing the episode as another “witch hunt.”
Waltz’s nomination to the United Nations will require Senate confirmation, meaning the scandal will likely dominate headlines for weeks.
Reports also suggest that Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, may be stepping down from the National Security Council, though no formal statement has been made.
Real estate magnate Steve Witkoff—already tasked by Trump to lead negotiations with Moscow and Tehran—is rumoured to be a contender for the national security adviser post in the longer term.
Waltz had been one of several senior figures targeted by right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who met with Trump to advocate for the removal of officials she deemed insufficiently loyal.
Loomer, known for promoting fringe views including claims that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job, appeared to take credit for Waltz’s sacking on X, posting simply: “SCALP.”
During a Fox News appearance on Wednesday, Waltz appeared unaware of his impending removal and later joined Trump’s televised cabinet meeting, where he praised the president’s leadership.
Some of the most influential figures in US foreign policy, including Henry Kissinger, have historically held the position of national security adviser.
