US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the replacement of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, saying he would be nominated as the next ambassador to the United Nations.
In the first major cabinet reshuffle, the President nominated State Secretary Marco Rubio as an interim national security advisor, after a wire of controversies and internal stresses in his new term.
Announcing the changes, Trump posted on the truth social, “Mike Waltz has worked hard to keep the interests of our country first in uniforms, Congress and as my National Security Advisor.”
“I am deeply honored for continuing my service to President Trump and our great nation,” Waltz replied in a post on X.
Who is Mike Waltz?
Born in Florida, Florida, Waltz, Navy is the sons and grandchildren. She was reared by a single mother and is known for her military and national security background.
Before entering politics, he worked in the Pentagon and served at the White House under President George W. Bush.
Waltz was elected to the Congress in 2018, represented the 6th district of Florida. He became the first Green Berett elected to the American House and served in major committees including intelligence, armed services and foreign affairs.
He also joined the House China Task Force and was known for his strong anti -China policies. Trump appointed Waltz as a National Security Advisor in November, praising him as a respected defense expert.
Why Mike Waltz was replaced?
Waltz’s exit came in the wake of the so -called “Signal Gate” scam which exploded in March. Former Florida Congressman and retired Green Berett accidentally added Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor of Atlantic Magazine to a private signal group chat that included top US security officers.
According to several reports, the group was allegedly discussing sensitive military plans, including a possible US air strikes on the Hauthi targets in Yemen.
During his final cabinet meeting, Waltz was photographed to check his phone, and a zoom-in image showed an ongoing signal conversation with contact saved as “JD Vance”-the present US vice-president.
The message reads: “I have confirmed from my counterpart that it is closed. He is going to come here …” It is not clear whether Waltz or Vance sent the message, said Daily Beast.
Leakage raised serious concerns about operational safety. It also highlighted a comprehensive pattern of suspected digital communication among senior officials.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is also investigating to share military flight details in another signal chat which included his wife.
Several sources told the BBC that the handling and leaks of the Waltz National Security Council employees were the main reasons for their removal.
While Trump publicly supported Waltz, internal sources said they had lost confidence in them and wanted a quiet way to remove them. By nominating Waltz for a high-profile role like the United Nations Ambassador, Trump avoided him from lump sum firing, the outlet said.
Despite the sudden end of his tenure, Vance insisted that the step of the United Nations was a promotion and had nothing to do with the signal dispute.
Nevertheless, Democrats are further calling for accountability. Senate Majority Leader Chak Shumar has urged to take action against Defense Secretary Hegseth, he tweeted: “Now do Hegseth.”
Waltz’s 101-day term as a National Security Advisor is now the second smallest in American history-behind Michael Flyn’s three-week term in Tramp’s first term.
