Trump removes NSA Waltz after 'Signalgate' scandal, names him UN ambassador

U.S. President Donald Trump has removed National Security Advisor Mike Waltz following a scandal involving leaked messages on a group chat. Trump announced that Waltz will now serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

In the first major cabinet shake-up of Trump’s new term, the president also appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the interim national security advisor.

“From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress, and as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first,” Trump said on Truth Social while announcing the change.

Waltz, 51, a former Special Forces officer and Florida congressman, had been under growing pressure since March when the “Signalgate” scandal erupted. The controversy began when Waltz mistakenly added The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief to a Signal group chat discussing sensitive U.S. military operations in Yemen.

Despite Trump’s repeated public support, Waltz was reportedly losing the president’s trust behind the scenes. His hawkish stance on Russia and Iran also clashed with Trump’s pivot toward diplomacy—particular ly with efforts to push Ukraine toward a ceasefire and reopen talks with Iran on its nuclear program.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Waltz expressed gratitude: “I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation.”

U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that Waltz’s removal should be seen as a “promotion” and was unrelated to Signalgate. However, his early exit—just over 100 days into Trump’s second term—suggests deeper internal tensions.

Signal Fallout Reaches Pentagon

Waltz’s ousting puts renewed pressure on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also reportedly shared details of upcoming U.S. airstrikes in the same Signal chat. Hegseth even shared the information with his wife in a separate group.

“Now do Hegseth,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X, signaling a push for accountability beyond Waltz.

Trump has defended Hegseth, calling the scandal a “witch hunt.” Vance echoed the sentiment, saying, “We’ve got total faith in Pete,” and declaring his job safe for now.

Waltz’s appointment to the U.N. will require Senate confirmation, guaranteeing continued scrutiny of the Signal leak.

Turbulence Behind the Scenes

There has been no official confirmation of reports that Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, will also leave the National Security Council. Meanwhile, Trump ally Steve Witkoff—a real estate magnate now leading U.S. talks with Russia and Iran—is being considered as a long-term replacement.

Waltz was also among several senior White House staff targeted by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who has pushed for a purge of officials she considers disloyal. Loomer has previously promoted conspiracy theories, including the false claim that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job.

After news of Waltz’s dismissal broke, Loomer claimed credit on X with a single word: “SCALP.”

Ironically, Waltz appeared unaware of his fate when he went on Fox News early Wednesday to praise a new U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal. He was also present at Trump’s televised cabinet meeting later that day, where he joined others in praising the president.

The role of National Security Advisor has historically been held by some of the most influential figures in U.S. foreign policy, including Henry Kissinger—underscori ng the gravity of Waltz’s swift and scandal-tainted departure.