Trump Replaces National Security Adviser Waltz with Rubio

President Donald Trump has dismissed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as interim replacement, marking the first major reshuffle in his administration since taking office.

Trump announced that Waltz would be nominated as the next US Ambassador to the United Nations, describing him as someone who has “worked hard to put the nation’s interests first.”

Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret and former lawmaker, was reportedly removed following internal criticism and his involvement in a March incident involving a private messaging app used among senior aides.

With this appointment, Rubio becomes the first person since Henry Kissinger to serve simultaneously as Secretary of State and National Security Adviser. “When I have a problem, I call Marco. He gets it solved,” Trump said during a public event.

The sudden change came as a surprise to officials, with some only learning about it as it unfolded.

Waltz’s removal is part of a broader shake-up within the national security team. Since early April, over 20 staff members have been let go, along with several senior officials at the Pentagon and intelligence agencies. Sources indicate the changes have negatively affected morale and hindered the administration’s ability to attract experienced talent.

Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong is also being removed from his role, further contributing to the leadership vacuum.

Waltz had faced criticism for mistakenly including an unauthorised individual in a confidential discussion, leading to details of a potential military operation being exposed. This reportedly frustrated Trump and triggered tighter security protocols.

Although Trump publicly supported Waltz at the time, concerns remained over his hawkish stance and his handling of inter-agency coordination, which is key to the National Security Adviser’s responsibilities.

The restructuring was reportedly initiated after a list of allegedly disloyal staffers was presented to the president, resulting in the dismissal of several senior NSC directors.

Despite these developments, Trump has retained confidence in other senior officials, including his defence secretary.

Waltz, viewed by many international partners as a supporter of traditional alliances such as NATO, is now set for a diplomatic role at the United Nations. The position had been vacant after the previous nominee was withdrawn due to political considerations in the House of Representatives.