Former Special Forces Officer Mike Waltz Announces Departure from Position as U.S. National Security Advisor Role
Let's Dish on Mike Waltz, the Latest to Bounce from Trump's Inner Circle
Donald Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, is throwing in the towel, making him the first big exit from Trump's crew since he rocked up in the Oval Office on Jan 20.
The lowdown on why Waltz bolted is still under wraps, but the departure arrives hot on the heels of the Signal chat shindig that's left the Trump administration red-faced and embarrassed.
In a twist of fate, Trump announced that Waltz would be swapping his current gig for the position of the next U.S. Ambassador to the UN.
Curious about who this guy is and his role in the Signalgate mess? Read on!
Former Congress critter with a military pedigree
Born and bred in Florida, Waltz is an ex-special forces soldier who clocked 21 years in Uncle Sam's army, serving in multiple combat tours to Afghanistan. He also had a stint as a Republican congressman for Florida since 2019.
Waltz is a vocal China critic, and he isn't shy about sounding off on their shenanigans in the Asia-Pacific, warning the U.S. needs to gear up for a potential rumble in the region.
As Trump's national security adviser, Waltz's responsibilities included briefing the Big Man on crucial national security issues and coordinating with various departments.
A key player in the Signalgate fiasco
Waltz landed in hot water when it was revealed he set up a chat group on the Signal messaging app, where he and other U.S. bigwigs, including Pete Hegseth and other officials, chatted about potential strikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
The revelation came to light in March when Waltz accidentally added a US journalist to the group. Oopsie!
In response to the mix-up, Waltz admitted his mistake and called it a "deliberate embarrassment."
Wondering who's taking over?
Waltz is Trump's fifth permanent national security adviser after the president went through four during his first term at the White House.
He'll be replaced for the time being by Marco Rubio, who Trump said will take over "national security adviser duties while continuing his kick-butt leadership at the State Department."
Trump also praised Waltz for being all-in on putting America's interests first.
A source told Reuters that Steve Witkoff, a special envoy involved in both Russia-Ukraine negotiations and Middle East diplomacy, could be a contender for the job. No word yet on a permanent successor, but the administration is feeling the heat to beef up the National Security Council after Waltz's four-month tenure.
- Following his departure from Donald Trump's inner circle, Mike Waltz, former national security adviser, has been named as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, creating a significant shift in war-and-conflicts policy-and-legislations.
- As a vocal China critic and military veteran, Waltz found himself embroiled in the Signalgate scandal, a general-news controversy over a chat group he established on the Signal messaging app with other high-ranking officials, discussing potential strikes in Yemen, leading to political implications.
- The Signalgate fiasco, sparking conflict within the Trump administration, resulted in Waltz's resignation as national security adviser, making him the first to exit since Trump's inauguration on Jan 20.
- The Ambassador position will temporarily be handled by Marco Rubio, who will also continue his responsibilities as the State Department's leader.
- As Waltz leaves his position and the political scene, speculation regarding his successor has arisen, with Steve Witkoff, a special envoy involved in both Russia-Ukraine negotiations and Middle East diplomacy, being a potential candidate for the job.
