Trump Appoints Rubio Following Dismissal of NSC Advisor Waltz

• Waltz’s exit marks the first significant shift in Trump’s inner circle.
• The national security adviser faced criticism over a messaging scandal.
• Trump plans to nominate Waltz as the next U.S. ambassador to the UN.
  

Michael Waltz, Donald Trump’s national security adviser, is stepping down from his position—a notable change during the early phase of the president’s renewed term—following his involvement in a scandal regarding a leaked messaging group, as reported by U.S. media on Thursday.

Trump announced via social media that he intends to nominate Waltz for the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, highlighting that “he has tirelessly prioritized our nation’s interests.”

Earlier that day, sources revealed that Trump had decided to push Waltz out of his role in the White House.

This selection of Marco Rubio as an interim replacement will be historic, as it will mark the first instance since Henry Kissinger in the 1970s that an individual holds both the secretary of state and national security adviser titles.

Both Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, are expected to depart from the White House, according to CBS News and other outlets, while Fox News indicated that Trump would address the situation shortly.

The 51-year-old former congressman from Florida has served just over 100 days in Trump’s second term, which has thus far maintained a more stable staff compared to his first term, during which Trump rotated through four national security advisers.

A White House representative did not confirm the reports, stating they “prefer not to speculate ahead of any formal announcement.”

Waltz appeared unaware of his impending exit during an early Wednesday appearance on Fox News, where he praised a new U.S. minerals agreement with Ukraine. “Everyone thought it couldn’t be done. President Trump said ‘make it happen’,” he remarked.

He also mentioned that Trump has enhanced U.S. military recruitment, stating, “This is exemplary leadership, driven by our commander-in-chief, who cares about the troops and has their support.”

Waltz participated in Trump’s televised cabinet meeting that same day.

A former special forces officer, Waltz was regarded as a moderate within the Trump administration upon his appointment, but he reportedly had conflicts with other officials due to his aggressive stance toward Russia and Iran.

Trump has advocated for Ukraine to negotiate a swift ceasefire with Russia while reopening dialogues with Iran regarding its nuclear intentions.

Reports suggest that Steve Witkoff, a real estate entrepreneur, is in line to take over Waltz’s duties, as Trump plans U.S. talks with both Russia and Iran.

Waltz faced scrutiny since late March when it was revealed by the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic that he had been mistakenly added to a chat on the Signal messaging platform, discussing military operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The chat included detailed plans for attacks, including the timing of U.S. airstrikes, with some messages sent just thirty minutes prior to execution.

Despite strong media speculation that Trump would dismiss Waltz amidst the controversy, the president continued to show support for him, with the adviser seemingly weathering the storm.

However, Waltz was one of several White House members targeted by a right-wing influencer and conspiracy theorist who had met with Trump, advocating for a staff overhaul.

Laura Loomer, known for asserting that the September 11 attacks were orchestrated, is reported to have effectively influenced the dismissal of numerous senior U.S. security officials she deemed disloyal to the president.

Following reports of Waltz and Wong’s removal, Loomer posted on X: “SCALP.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also come under fire regarding the scandal.

In one message, Hegseth stated, “1215et: F-18s LAUNCH (1st strike package)”, regarding U.S. Navy jets, later adding, “Target Terrorist is at his Known Location so SHOULD BE ON TIME.”

Waltz subsequently shared real-time intelligence after an attack, noting that U.S. forces had identified the target “entering his girlfriend’s building, which subsequently collapsed.”

In response to Waltz’s reported termination on Thursday, Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer tweeted: “Now do Hegseth.”