In a significant move, the White House has terminated the employment of at least three members of the National Security Council (NSC), as reported by CNN based on anonymous sources familiar with the situation. This decision has stirred considerable discussion within political and media circles, primarily due to the circumstances surrounding these dismissals, which appear to directly stem from a meeting involving controversial far-right activist Laura Loomer.
Loomer, known for her contentious views—including claims that the September 11 attacks were orchestrated internally—reportedly urged President Donald Trump during a meeting held on Wednesday to take action against disloyal staff members within the NSC. Specifically, she requested that the president remove his principal deputy national security adviser and other staffers whom she deemed untrustworthy. One source disclosed that these firings were a direct consequence of the meeting with Loomer, highlighting the influence some external figures may wield in shaping personnel decisions within the Trump administration.
As of the following Thursday, there was uncertainty regarding whether Alex Wong, the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, was among those dismissed from their roles. Speculation arose that National Security Adviser Michael Waltz might have been hesitant to let Wong go due to Wong’s involvement in a growing controversy surrounding leaked Signal messages about military actions in Yemen that Waltz and his team initiated.
Among the officials who were let go are Brian Walsh, known for his work as a director for intelligence and as a former top aide to Marco Rubio when he served on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Thomas Boodry, who worked as a senior director for legislative affairs, and David Feith, a senior director focused on technology and national security—both of whom had previous connections with other administrations—were also terminated. These dismissals suggest a significant shift within the NSC, which plays a critical role in national defense and security policy.
Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the NSC, did not provide specific information about the personnel changes, stating simply that the NSC does not comment on such matters. Meanwhile, Waltz’s involvement with Loomer’s meeting signifies his close ties to the president, as he was present in the Oval Office during Loomer’s discussions with Trump. Loomer specifically targeted Wong during her meeting, openly questioning his loyalty to Trump and labeling him a “Never Trumper” in private circles, a term often used to describe Republicans who oppose the former president’s agenda.
After her meeting with Trump, Loomer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present her findings to the president. She emphasized her commitment to supporting Trump’s political agenda, underscoring the reasons she believes strong vetting processes are critical for national security. The meeting itself came at a time when the president and his economic team were preparing for an announcement regarding tariffs, as reported by The New York Times.
Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, who has notably worked to limit Loomer’s access to Trump during past campaign efforts, also attended the meeting. This fact brings to light the complexities involved in managing the dynamics between various advisors and external figures like Loomer, whose influence appears to persist within the administration. The scheduling of the meeting has raised questions about the timing and approval process, although aides indicated that Wiles’s presence, along with Sergio Gor, who oversees presidential personnel, marked the meeting as an authorized engagement.
Gor is recognized as one of the president’s staunchest confidants and has been engaged in addressing discontent amongst Trump’s base regarding Waltz. This represents a significant instance of how MAGA supporters can impact White House operations, reflecting ongoing tensions and divisions within the administration. As further developments emerge from this situation, the implications of these firings could have lasting effects on the security council and the broader approach of Trump’s administration to intelligence and national security matters.
In conclusion, this unfolding story illustrates the intricate interplay of politics, personnel decisions, and external influences within the White House. As reported, CNN has committed to providing ongoing updates as more details surface regarding this impactful turn of events.