Trump Replaces Waltz as National Security Adviser, Taps Him for UN Role
May 1, 2025
In the first major shakeup of his second term, President Donald Trump has removed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and nominated him to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The move follows weeks of internal friction and growing doubts about Waltz’s position inside the West Wing.
Trump made the announcement Thursday on Truth Social, praising Waltz for prioritizing “America’s interests” and expressing confidence in his future performance at the United Nations. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will assume the additional role of national security adviser—bringing the number of senior responsibilities he holds within the administration to four.
The reshuffle comes amid reports of internal discord within the National Security Council. Sources confirmed that Waltz had already been made aware earlier this week that his time leading the NSC was nearing its end. Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong and other team members are also expected to exit, though the timing remains uncertain.
The change follows a series of missteps that eroded Waltz’s influence in the administration, most notably an incident in which he mistakenly added a journalist to a group chat discussing classified military operations. Though Trump initially stood by him to avoid media uproar, multiple insiders said Waltz never fully recovered his credibility with senior officials. Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and far-right activist Laura Loomer had reportedly voiced strong concerns about his judgment long before the messaging mishap.
Despite Trump’s backing at the time, discussions about replacing Waltz had intensified behind the scenes over recent days. The president had grown increasingly frustrated—especially after an unexpectedly tight congressional race in Florida for Waltz’s former district added to concerns about his political standing.
The transition may not be smooth. Waltz now faces a potentially contentious Senate confirmation process. Unlike Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—who has come under fire for allegedly sharing sensitive military strike information in encrypted group chats—Waltz lacks strong support from Trump’s conservative base and MAGA allies.
Foreign diplomats have expressed concern over the leadership transition. “Of all of them, we never thought he’d be the first to go,” said one senior Western official. With Rubio stepping in, questions remain about how the administration will handle mounting global security challenges while balancing a complex and shifting internal power structure.
As Waltz prepares for a turbulent confirmation process, the move signals a White House less concerned with optics and more focused on consolidating loyalty and control.