News

Trump ousts Waltz, names Rubio national security adviser

Trump replaces national security adviser Mike Waltz with Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid a significant White House shake-up.

Published

9 months ago

May 2, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump replaces national security adviser Mike Waltz with Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid a significant White House shake-up.

In Short

President Trump has dismissed national security adviser Mike Waltz, appointing Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his interim replacement.

Waltz is being nominated for U.S. ambassador to the UN amid internal criticism and ongoing challenges for the administration.

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the interim replacement. This change marks a significant reshuffling within Trump’s administration since his inauguration in January.

In a social media announcement, Trump expressed his intention to nominate Waltz for the position of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, commending him for prioritising national interests. Reports indicate that Trump’s decision to remove Waltz stemmed from internal criticism, particularly relating to a scandal involving a chat among national security aides.

Another departure

Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, an expert on Asia, is also departing from his role. Rubio’s temporary dual role as both Secretary of State and national security adviser is notably significant, recalling the era of Henry Kissinger in the 1970s, who held both titles simultaneously.

The national security adviser position is influential and does not require Senate confirmation, reflecting the executive’s direct control over this key role. The shakeup comes amid ongoing challenges that the administration faces on various fronts.

This change in leadership highlights the fluid nature of Trump’s team and the emphasis on aligning national security strategy with the administration’s broader goals. The implications of this appointment and Waltz’s transition to a UN role will be closely monitored in the coming days.

News

UK, Canada and Australia consider banning Elon Musk’s X over AI risks

UK, Canada, Australia discuss banning Elon Musk’s X over AI tool Grok’s potential for misuse; regulatory action may follow.

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

UK, Canada, Australia discuss banning Elon Musk’s X over AI tool Grok’s potential for misuse; regulatory action may follow.

Downing Street has opened talks with Canada and Australia about a possible ban on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. Concerns are growing over the platform’s AI tool, Grok, which could be misused to generate explicit images.

The scrutiny comes as government officials, including Sir Keir Starmer, voice serious worries about the platform’s impact and the potential for harm. Officials believe coordinated international action could send a clear message to Musk about the urgency of addressing these risks.

Ofcom is expected to release recommendations soon, potentially paving the way for regulatory action. How Musk responds could determine whether X faces restrictions in multiple countries.

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News

Trump weighs options as Iran protests escalate

Trump to discuss US responses to Iran protests with officials, including sanctions and military action options.

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump to discuss US responses to Iran protests with officials, including sanctions and military action options.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with senior US officials to discuss possible responses to the growing protests in Iran. The talks will focus on how Washington should react as unrest continues to spread across the country.

Options on the table reportedly include tougher sanctions and the possibility of military action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials are expected to attend, as concerns mount over how US involvement could impact regional stability.

Iran has warned it will retaliate if the US intervenes, raising fears that any move by Washington could sharply escalate tensions in the Middle East.

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News

Trump declares US ready to support Iranian protesters

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2026

Ahron Young

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

In Short:
– Trump supports Iranian protesters and promotes their quest for freedom amid government crackdowns.
– Iran reports arrests and increased military threats against protesters, with international demonstrations in solidarity emerging.

Donald Trump has warned Iran’s clerical regime that the US is “ready to help” anti-government protesters facing a crackdown. He stated on his social media platform, Truth, that the nation is witnessing a push for freedom like never before.On Saturday, Iran’s government reported the arrest of 100 “armed rioters” amid ongoing demonstrations. Rights groups claim at least 116 protesters have been killed, with unrest erupting over Iran’s currency collapse and demands for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The Iranian military has intensified threats against protesters, warning that anyone participating could be deemed “enemies of God”, carrying a potential death sentence. There have been claims of “terrorist agents” linked to the US and Israel stirring unrest.

Protester Responses

International protests have also emerged in solidarity with Iranian demonstrators.

In London, an individual was seen tearing down the Iranian flag from the embassy, drawing attention to the global dissent. Iranian state media has accused “rioters” of violence and targeting military bases, amidst a climate of increased government scrutiny and restrictions.

With the internet down in Iran, accurate assessment of the situation remains challenging. Reports indicate scattered protests continue, but fear of government retaliation complicates participation.

The Iranian government’s response highlights the volatility of the political situation, and the growing international pressure on Tehran.