President Donald Trump has removed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and nominated him for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The decision, announced via Trump’s Truth Social platform, marks the first senior departure from the White House during Trump’s second term.
Waltz, a former Florida congressman and decorated Army Green Beret, came under intense scrutiny after mistakenly adding Atlantic magazine editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal chat involving senior officials. The group had reportedly discussed sensitive military plans concerning Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Participants in the chat included Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Sources within the administration indicated that the security breach, along with concerns about Waltz’s vetting of National Security Council staff, led to his ousting. However, rather than a complete dismissal, Trump opted to provide what insiders called a “soft landing” by nominating Waltz to the high-profile UN role — a position that remains vacant after Trump withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination.
Waltz acknowledged the transition in a statement on X, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving. Meanwhile, Rubio, who retains his role as Secretary of State, will temporarily act as national security adviser — making him the first official to hold both posts simultaneously since Henry Kissinger.
The Signal controversy continues to reverberate across Washington. Lawmakers have grilled top intelligence officials about the breach, and questions remain over the fate of Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, who was also on the chat. Notably, Reuters captured Waltz still using Signal during a recent cabinet meeting.
Vice President JD Vance and other officials publicly defended Waltz, framing the move as a promotion rather than a dismissal. However, critics, including former adviser John Bolton, described the move as a sign of continued “chaos” reminiscent of Trump’s first term.
With speculation swirling over Waltz’s replacement, names like Steve Witkoff and Ric Grenell have emerged as potential candidates for the pivotal security role. As the Senate weighs Waltz’s confirmation, the episode underscores the persistent turbulence shaping Trump’s leadership style.
