Potential shift in White House's national security leadership: Marco Rubio could be the new choice, or President Trump might opt for no change.
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In the nation's capital, holding more than one high-profile job simultaneously has become a new norm for politician Marco Rubio. The high-stakes game of musical chairs now has Rubio acting as Secretary of State, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Acting Head of the National Archives and Records Administration, and as of recent, the acting National Security Adviser.
With President Donald Trump announcing that Michael Waltz, under scrutiny since the Signal chat leak, would be stepping down to stand as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Rubio was tapped for the interim National Security Adviser role more than a month ago. However, the decision was deferred until Trump had finally grown tired of Waltz.
There's a strong possibility that Trump holds onto Rubio in the National Security Adviser position for good, according to sources familiar with the matter. The president seems in no rush to find a replacement.
A senior State Department official stated, "The president has assembled an incredibly talented team that is fully committed to putting America and Americans first. Secretary Rubio looks forward to serving as his interim National Security Advisor while ensuring the mission-critical work at the State Department continues uninterrupted."
Two sources said Waltz's departure was brewing for weeks following revelations published by The Atlantic on March 24 stating that Waltz had created a group chat with top administration officials on the private messaging app Signal and inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of the magazine[1]. However, there was no immediate push to fire Waltz for fear of handing critics a quick victory. Instead, he was sent off to the United Nations.
Insights:
- Role Shuffle: Marco Rubio serves as a multi-hat individual, holding essential posts like Secretary of State, Administrator of USAID, Head of NARA, and Acting National Security Adviser.
- Potential Long-term Appointment: Trump may keep Rubio in the National Security Advisor post long-term, according to sources.
- Successor Hunt: Potential candidates to fill the National Security Advisor position post-Rubio might hail from loyal administration officials, military officers, or congressional figures.
- Imminent Shake-up: Although no formal announcements have been made, speculation exists that Michael Anton, Chris Landau, or Stephen Miller could be in the running for the National Security Adviser position[2].
- Dual Role Controversy: Marco Rubio is the first individual since Henry Kissinger to hold the positions of Secretary of State and National Security Adviser simultaneously.
Sources:
- The Atlantic's coverage of Waltz's Signal chat leak
- NBC News report on the vacant NSA position
- Fox News: 'Kissinger on warning to Trump: Hire loyalists'
- Despite acting as the interim National Security Adviser for over a month, Marco Rubio may continue to hold the position permanently, according to sources.
- Alongside his duties as Secretary of State, Acting Administrator of USAID, and Acting Head of NARA, Marco Rubio now also serves as the Acting National Security Adviser following Michael Waltz's resignation due to the Signal chat leak.
- The post of National Security Adviser may potentially be filled by loyal administration officials, military officers, or congressional figures once Rubio decides to relinquish the role, undergoing a partial power succession.
