President Donald Trump has removed Mike Waltz from his position as national security adviser and plans to nominate him as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. This marks the first major staff shakeup in Trump’s second term, occurring about 102 days after his inauguration1237911.
Waltz’s departure follows controversy over a Signal messaging app incident in March, where he mistakenly added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a secure group chat used by senior officials discussing sensitive military operations against Houthi militants in Yemen. Waltz took full responsibility for the mistake, which drew bipartisan criticism and calls for investigation, although Trump and intelligence officials downplayed the security risk1237911.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as interim national security adviser while retaining his role as secretary of state, making him the first person since Henry Kissinger to hold both positions simultaneously17911.
Trump announced Waltz’s nomination to the UN ambassadorship on social media, praising his dedication to national interests and expressing confidence that Waltz will continue to serve effectively in the new role. Waltz himself expressed honor at continuing his service to the president and the nation147911.
On the same day as the announcement, President Trump traveled to Alabama to deliver a commencement address at the University of Alabama, declining to answer reporters’ questions about Waltz’s departure710.
The reshuffle also included the departure of Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, and reflects increased influence from conservative figures advising Trump on National Security Council personnel17911. Despite the controversy, Vice President JD Vance stated that the Signal incident was not the reason for Waltz’s reassignment and described the move as a promotion to a Senate-confirmed position79.
In summary:
- Mike Waltz removed as national security adviser amid Signal chat controversy
- Nominated by Trump to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations
- Marco Rubio appointed interim national security adviser while remaining secretary of state
- Trump delivered a commencement speech in Alabama on the same day as the announcement
- The shakeup marks the first major personnel change in Trump’s second term
