In a surprise cabinet shake-up, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the removal of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, nominating the former special forces officer and Florida congressman as ambassador to the United Nations. The move follows the so-called “Signalgate” leak, where Waltz inadvertently exposed sensitive military chat details on the Signal app.
Trump praised Waltz’s service “on the battlefield, in Congress and as my National Security Advisor,” as reported on his social media platform. Yet behind the scenes, tensions over Waltz’s hawkish views on Russia and Iran conflicted with the administration’s push for a swift ceasefire in Ukraine and renewed nuclear talks with Tehran.
Stepping into the interim role is Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will juggle both diplomatic and security portfolios. The dual appointment underlines Trump’s trust in Rubio to maintain policy continuity while the administration searches for a permanent NSA replacement.
The Signalgate scandal also ensnared Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who shared strike timings in the same chat. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, have publicly called for Hegseth’s accountability. Trump, however, has defended Hegseth as the fallout continues.
Waltz’s UN nomination now awaits Senate confirmation, ensuring the debate over Signal’s security and internal policy rifts stays center stage. Observers say this reshuffle could reshape U.S. global strategy at the UN and test Trump’s foreign policy direction in the months ahead.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
