National security adviser Mike Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, are stepping down from their posts, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would nominate Waltz to be the next United States ambassador to the United Nations. Waltz’s appointment will require Senate confirmation. In the meantime, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim national security adviser, the president said.
“I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations,” Trump wrote. “From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress, and as my National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role.”
Waltz posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “I’m deeply honoured to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation.”
The State Department appeared to be caught off guard by the move. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce learned of Rubio’s interim appointment while addressing a press briefing. Asked how long Rubio might serve in the role, Bruce replied, “It is clear that I just heard this from you.”
The departure was first reported by journalist Mark Halperin. As has often been the case in Trump’s White House, staffing changes remain fluid until formally announced by the president.
Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has been in discussions with National Security Council (NSC) staff members following the announcement, according to sources.
Waltz drew scrutiny in March after creating a Signal chat group in which he mistakenly included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic. The chat contained discussions with top officials regarding a potential military strike on Houthi targets in Yemen.
Goldberg published an article on the episode, initially withholding operational details. However, after top officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, denied classified material had been shared, Goldberg released further details including timing and weapon specifics.
Behind closed doors, Waltz admitted to the authenticity of the reporting. While officials debated his possible resignation, Trump did not ask for it and publicly defended Waltz, saying he was “a good man” who had “learnt a lesson.”
A source close to the National Security Council said the president believes enough time has passed since the Signal incident to present the departures as part of a broader reorganisation. Trump was reportedly reluctant to remove Waltz immediately over concerns it would be seen as yielding to outside pressure.
Wong declined to comment when reached by phone.
In the Senate, reactions to Waltz’s nomination were mixed. Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, said he credited Waltz for acknowledging the “huge mistake” but warned the confirmation hearing could be “pretty brutal.”
Wong previously served in Trump’s first administration as deputy special representative for North Korea and deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs. Trump praised Wong for his role in negotiating the president’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Speculation over Waltz’s successor includes names such as White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and counterterrorism official Seb Gorka, both seen as loyal to Trump’s vision. Ric Grenell, the president’s envoy for special missions, has publicly declined interest in the role.
The exits follow a broader shake-up at the NSC.
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