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.

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.