Strong Leadership, Swift Action as Trump Removes Key NSC Officials
President Donald Trump has taken decisive action at the White House National Security Council, removing National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and several key staffers, Fox News confirmed Thursday. The move comes amid fallout from a leaked Signal app group chat involving discussions on military strikes in Yemen.
Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, was also dismissed. Additional staffing changes are expected soon, and the president is likely to address the situation publicly.
Leaked Chat Prompts Security Shakeup
Waltz, a former Green Beret combat veteran and ex-Florida congressman, came under fire in March after The Atlantic reported that its editor-in-chief had been inadvertently added to a high-level group chat involving:
- Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe
- Top national security officials
The group discussed urgent plans to respond to Houthi rebel attacks in Yemen.
Waltz acknowledged responsibility, telling Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, “I built the group. It was a mistake. I take full responsibility.”
Trump: “We’ll Let Go of Those Who Aren’t Up to the Task”
President Trump addressed the staff dismissals from Air Force One on April 3:
“We’re going to let go of people who can’t do the job or who have other loyalties. It’s that simple.”
He made it clear that while some NSC members were dismissed, the core national security team remains strong and effective.
“They’ve done very well. We’ve had big success dealing with the Houthis.”
Press Secretary: “This Case Is Closed”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that no classified information was exposed in the chat and emphasized that the matter has been handled:
“As far as we’re concerned, the case is closed. Mike Waltz remains an important part of the team. Thanks to this leadership, America is safer today.”
Waltz reportedly created the chat to coordinate immediate actions. Wong, his deputy, was tasked with forming a “tiger team” of agency-level chiefs to respond to the threat from Iranian-backed militants.
Cabinet Meeting Marks Trump’s 100th Day Back in Office
Waltz attended a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, one day after President Trump’s 100th day back in the Oval Office. Sources say it was one of his last official duties before his departure from the National Security Council.
More Resignations May Follow
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) commented to Fox News:
“Waltz is out. He’s the first. He won’t be the last.”
The Trump administration has not confirmed additional names but emphasized that the security of the American people remains the top priority.
Trump’s America First Approach in Action
With this move, President Trump is once again showing his America First commitment—removing those who fumble serious responsibilities and reinforcing trust in a national security team focused on results.
“No leaks. No excuses. Just results,” one White House official remarked.