In a significant shakeup within the Trump administration, President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to replace his national security advisor, Michael Waltz, amid ongoing fallout from a recent controversy. According to multiple sources, Mike Waltz, along with his deputy Alex Wong, will depart their roles in the White House, marking the first major staff change since Trump took office in January 2025. The news, reported within the last hour, has sparked widespread discussion about the future of the NSA and the administration’s national security strategy.
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| President Trump Plans to Replace National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, Officials Say |
Who is Mike Waltz?
Mike Waltz, also referred to as Michael Waltz or Waltz Mike, is a retired Army Special Forces officer and former Republican congressman from Florida’s 6th Congressional District. A decorated combat veteran, Waltz served in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa, retiring with the rank of colonel after 27 years of service. Before his role as Mike Waltz national security advisor, he worked as an advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney on counterterrorism during the George W. Bush administration and served on several House committees related to national security. Known for his hawkish stance and loyalty to Trump, Waltz was a prominent figure in the administration until recent events led to his reported ouster.
The Signal-Gate Scandal
The decision to replace Mike Waltz comes weeks after the so-called “Signal-gate” scandal, which significantly damaged his standing. In March 2025, Waltz inadvertently added The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal group chat named “Houthi PC small group.” The chat, which included top officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and Alex Wong, discussed sensitive details of U.S. military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The leak was described as a major embarrassment for the administration, with critics questioning Waltz’s competence in handling classified information.
Despite initially denying the severity of the incident, Mike Waltz took “full responsibility” for the error, claiming he did not know how Goldberg’s contact ended up in his phone. President Trump initially defended Waltz, stating that Mike Waltz had “learned his lesson” and describing the incident as a minor glitch. However, sources now indicate that Trump’s frustration with Waltz grew, fueled by dissatisfaction within the national security establishment and Waltz’s perceived failure to effectively coordinate foreign policy among agencies.
Alex Wong’s Departure
Alongside Mike Waltz fired, his deputy Alex Wong is also set to leave the White House. Alex Wong Trump connections date back to the first Trump administration, where he served as deputy special representative for North Korea and deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the State Department. Wong played a key role in negotiations for Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In the Signal-gate chat, Wong was tasked with assembling a “tiger team” to coordinate actions against the Houthis, but his association with the scandal has seemingly tied his fate to Waltz’s.
Why Now?
Sources suggest that Trump’s decision to oust Mike.Waltz and Alex Wong is part of a broader reorganization effort within the White House, though the Signal-gate controversy remains a significant factor. One source noted that Trump was hesitant to fire Waltz earlier to avoid appearing to bow to media pressure, but sufficient time has passed to frame the move as a strategic shift. Additionally, some within the administration viewed Waltz as too hawkish for Trump’s war-averse foreign policy approach, creating friction in the NSA’s operations.
Speculation about Waltz’s replacement is already underway. While U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has been mentioned as a possible candidate, sources indicate he is unlikely to be selected. Other names, including White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and media host Seb Gorka, have surfaced as potential contenders due to their alignment with Trump’s agenda.
Implications for the Trump Administration
The departure of Mike Waltz and Alex Wong raises questions about the stability of Trump’s national security team just over 100 days into his second term. Waltz’s exit, in particular, could concern U.S. allies in Europe and Asia, who viewed him as a supporter of traditional alliances like NATO. His replacement will likely signal the direction of Trump’s foreign policy moving forward, especially amid ongoing global challenges such as conflicts in the Middle East and tensions with China.
As the administration navigates this transition, the focus remains on Mike Waltz fired and the fallout from Signal-gate. The incident has underscored the importance of secure communication in handling sensitive national security matters and highlighted vulnerabilities within the administration’s inner circle.
Conclusion
The reported plan to replace Michael Waltz as national security advisor marks a pivotal moment for the Trump administration. With Mike Waltz and Alex Wong set to exit, the White House faces the challenge of rebuilding its national security team while addressing the lingering impact of the Signal-gate scandal. As Trump prepares to announce a new NSA head, the world watches closely to see how this change will shape U.S. foreign policy in the months ahead.
Sources: CBS News, Reuters, The Guardian, Bloomberg, The Telegraph, May 1, 2025
