In recent days, it has come to light that National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is poised to leave the Trump administration. According to two sources familiar with the situation, this decision follows a noticeable decline in Waltz’s relationship with President Donald Trump during his first 100 days in office. The sources indicated that feelings of distrust had developed between Waltz and the President, which ultimately led to a loss of confidence in Waltz’s abilities to effectively oversee the National Security Council.
Consequently, Waltz’s position has been precarious following an indication earlier this week that his role as National Security Adviser was drawing to a close. This development has caused uncertainty about the direction of the National Security Council and has led to additional departures. Alongside Waltz, Alex Wong, the deputy national security adviser, is also set to leave the White House, according to yet another source familiar with the matter. This multiple exit of key figures within the National Security team raises questions about the future of U.S. national security strategy, as it indicates a significant shakeup in leadership within this vital domain.
In the search for Waltz’s replacement, Trump is considering Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer with familial ties to the President, to step in as the new national security adviser. While no official decision has yet been made regarding this appointment, it reflects Trump’s inclination to bring in individuals from his personal network. Witkoff has led discussions on behalf of the administration involving significant international players such as Russia and Iran, highlighting his experience in dealing with complicated geopolitical issues.
Despite these ongoing changes, Waltz has been trying to retain his position. He made appearances at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday and was seen engaging with media outlets such as Fox News. He also showed up in the West Wing on Thursday, indicating an effort to maintain a presence even amidst rumors of his departure. However, his standing within the administration appears to have eroded significantly in recent weeks.
Waltz’s struggle for influence can be traced back to an incident where he accidentally included a reporter in a sensitive group chat concerning military operations. This misstep cast a long shadow over his credibility within the West Wing, and although Trump supported him at that time, Waltz failed to regain his previous level of respect. Reports from multiple insiders suggest that Waltz has lost the trust of several top aides within the Trump administration, indicating a fracturing of relationships behind the scenes.
On a recent occasion, Waltz’s body language further illustrated his uncertain position. He boarded Marine One with President Trump for a trip on Tuesday but was noticeably absent when his colleagues boarded Air Force One shortly thereafter at Joint Base Andrews. While one White House official maintained that he was not scheduled to join the President’s travel to Michigan, this moment was viewed as strange by other aides, further fueling speculation about his impending departure.
As the dynamics within the Trump administration continue to evolve, this situation remains fluid. Waltz’s exit would mark a significant transition in the sphere of national security at a time when the administration is navigating complex international relationships and security challenges. As indicated by the sources, this is a developing story, and updates will likely follow as decisions are finalized regarding both Waltz’s departure and his potential successor. The implications of these changes will reverberate through the White House and beyond, affecting not only internal administration dynamics but also the broader strategic posture of the United States.
