President Donald Trump has unexpectedly removed Mike Waltz from his role as national security adviser. He announced that Waltz will be nominated as ambassador to the United Nations. Trump made the announcement on social media, thanking Waltz for his service and loyalty.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will now serve as acting national security adviser. Rubio will continue as the top U.S. diplomat while holding this additional role. This marks the first time since Henry Kissinger that one official holds both positions.
Sources say Waltz faced heavy criticism over a serious security blunder. He mistakenly added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal chat with top U.S. officials. This chat discussed confidential military plans targeting Yemen’s Houthis. Officials including Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were also in the group.
Trump reportedly respects Waltz but wanted a “soft landing” for him. Thus, the president offered him the high-profile UN ambassador role. Despite this, insiders suggest the administration doubts Waltz will be confirmed by the Senate. This move might allow Trump to remove him quietly.
Waltz acknowledged the Signal mistake in March, drawing scrutiny from lawmakers and security officials. His deputy, Alex Wong, has also faced questions over the chat leak. In a recent interview, Wong defended the administration’s approach to the Yemen conflict, highlighting Trump’s leadership.
Trump’s announcement also surprised many inside the State Department. Rubio, already juggling multiple roles, now leads the United States Agency for International Development and the National Archives. Some reports suggest Steve Witkoff or Ric Grenell might eventually replace Waltz as national security adviser.
Vice President JD Vance defended Waltz. Vance argued Waltz’s new position is a promotion, not a firing. “I like Mike,” Vance said, emphasizing that Waltz has the trust of both him and Trump.
The key phrase throughout this change is “soft landing for Waltz.” Trump ensured a soft landing for Waltz by nominating him to the UN. Despite the controversy, the president believes a soft landing for Waltz maintains stability in his team.
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