Trump removes National Security Adviser in surprise shake-up

In a significant shake-up of his national security team, President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the removal of National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his interim replacement. In a surprising twist, Trump has nominated Waltz to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

This marks the first major personnel shift in the president’s second term and comes amid rising internal tensions over foreign policy direction.

Waltz’s dismissal follows controversy over his handling of a sensitive military operation in Yemen. According to White House officials, he inadvertently added a journalist to a private Signal group chat meant for top-level advisers — a serious breach of protocol. However, sources close to the administration say his removal had been under consideration for months, with many of Trump’s aides viewing Waltz as overly hawkish, particularly as the president seeks diplomatic breakthroughs with Iran and improved relations with Russia.

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In a historic move, Marco Rubio will temporarily serve as both Secretary of State and National Security Adviser — a dual role not seen since Henry Kissinger held both posts under Presidents Nixon and Ford.

The search for a permanent national security adviser is now underway. The selection will be pivotal as the administration navigates growing divisions within the White House over how to manage strategic challenges posed by China, Russia, and Iran.