Mike Waltz has been ousted as National Security Adviser and nominated as U.N. Ambassador following a major Signal chat scandal that rocked Trump’s administration just weeks into his second term.
Quick Takes
- President Trump removed Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser after “Signalgate” scandal where Waltz accidentally added a journalist to a Signal chat discussing Yemen military plans.
- Trump nominated Waltz for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a position requiring Senate confirmation.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio will temporarily assume the National Security Adviser role.
- Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong is also leaving the administration.
- Special envoy Steve Witkoff, with experience in Russia-Ukraine diplomacy, is rumored as a potential replacement.
The Signal Chat Scandal
The Trump administration faces its first major staffing shakeup just weeks into the new term after National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were removed from their positions. The dismissals stem from what’s being called “Signalgate” – an incident where Waltz inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal chat group discussing sensitive military plans regarding Yemen. This security breach created immediate concerns within the White House national security apparatus and ultimately led to the staffing changes.
Despite the serious nature of the security lapse, Trump has attempted to soften the blow by nominating Waltz for a different role. Taking to his Truth Social platform, the President announced his intention to nominate Waltz as the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. “I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations,” Trump posted. The nomination represents a significant demotion from the senior West Wing position Waltz previously held, but still offers him a pathway to remain in the administration pending Senate confirmation.
Vance says Mike Waltz, nominated as U.N. Ambassador, successfully led key reforms at the National Security Council ahead of his Senate-confirmed role. pic.twitter.com/9PTp2IWSTL
— Geopolitiš¯•¸ Monitor (@GeopolitixM) May 1, 2025
Waltz’s Brief Tenure
Waltz, a former Republican congressman, had a remarkably short tenure as National Security Adviser. Despite publicly praising Trump during a Fox & Friends appearance and at a cabinet meeting, the severity of the Signal chat incident apparently outweighed any personal loyalty. The breach raised serious questions about operational security within the administration at a time when Trump has promised to take strong action on various international fronts.
The administration attempted to manage the fallout with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that Trump “has the utmost confidence in Mike Waltz and his entire national security team.” However, this public support did not prevent the removal from occurring. Both Waltz and Wong were notably absent from a recent cabinet event despite having reserved seats, signaling their impending departure before the official announcement.
Transition and Potential Replacement
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will temporarily assume the National Security Adviser role while the administration searches for a permanent replacement. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has emerged as a potential candidate for the position. Witkoff brings significant diplomatic experience, particularly in Russia-Ukraine relations and Middle Eastern affairs, potentially signaling a shift in foreign policy approach for the administration.
The shakeup has drawn criticism from Democrats, with Senator Mark Kelly implicating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the administration’s handling of the Signal chat situation. The incident represents a significant disruption to Trump’s national security team just as they were settling into their roles, raising questions about the administration’s operational readiness and internal communications protocols during this critical early period of the second term.
Sources:
Trump names Mike Waltz as new UN ambassador nominee hours after he is reported leaving NSA post
NSA head Mike Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong to exit Trump admin amid Signal chat fiasco
