ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Deputy National Security Advisor Alex Wong, marking the first major staff overhaul of his second term in office.
The decision, confirmed by multiple sources to Fox News, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal, reflects growing tensions within the administration over foreign policy direction, especially on Ukraine and Iran.
Sources say Trump lost confidence in Waltz weeks ago, citing his diminishing influence within the West Wing and a series of missteps, including a reported mishandling of internal communications involving military operations. Although Trump initially stood by Waltz, insiders say his standing never fully recovered.
Waltz's departure has reportedly been under discussion for days, as officials explored a "soft landing" strategy for his exit. However, that search now appears abandoned. A White House official told CNN, “President Trump lost confidence in him a while ago.”
The removal also comes amid internal frustration over Waltz’s public messaging and strained relations with senior aides.
Notably, Waltz was absent from President Trump’s trip to Michigan this week, remaining on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews while other staffers boarded Air Force One—an absence seen as symbolic of his sidelined role.
Deputy Alex Wong will also step down, with further resignations anticipated, according to Fox News. The changes underscore a broader reorganization of the National Security Council, reportedly influenced by figures close to Trump, including right-wing commentator Laura Loomer, who has accused some NSC staff of disloyalty.
Real estate developer and longtime Trump associate Steve Witkoff is being considered as a potential replacement, though no final decision has been made. Witkoff has recently led backchannel talks with Russia and Iran as part of Trump’s effort to reshape U.S. foreign policy priorities.
