Signalgate Claims First Casualty as Trump's National Security Advisor Faces Dismissal
In a significant political fallout from the recently unveiled Signalgate scandal, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to dismiss his National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz. This action marks the first major dismissal of a senior official in Trump's current term, which has just reached its 101st day. Reports suggest that Waltz, who is known for his military background and previous congressional role from Florida, is likely to be replaced by Steve Witkoff, the current White House special envoy for negotiations concerning Russia and the Middle East.
The scandal, which emerged last month, revolved around a group of senior officials in Trump’s administration who allegedly exchanged messages discussing tactical military actions, specifically plans to bomb Houthi rebels in Yemen. The situation escalated when Waltz inadvertently included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic, in this classified Signal chat group. Goldberg's presence prompted revelations about sensitive information shared by high-level officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, detailing the kinds of aircraft intended for the bombing mission and their projected flight times.
Following the leak, indications grew that Trump was furious with Waltz, not only for his apparent mishandling of sensitive information but also for inadvertently sharing a contact with a journalist viewed as unsupportive by the Republican administration. However, Trump opted to delay the dismissal of Waltz until after the celebration of his administration's 100-day milestone, reflecting on the chaotic early days of his first term characterized by multiple high-profile dismissals. Notably, Trump recalled the controversies surrounding Michael Flynn, his first national security advisor, who resigned after ties to Russia came to light.
Despite his military experience, Waltz’s tenure has been marred by a growing disconnect with Trump’s inner circle. Some factions within the Trump movement have labeled him a neoconservative, critiquing his stance on foreign interventions—considered a red line for the administration. Furthermore, Trump's preference for team members who demonstrate loyalty and media savvy ultimately led him to view Waltz as ineffective in communicating the administration’s message, especially in the media spotlight.
Recently, Waltz has found himself increasingly excluded from key discussions and public engagements within the administration. Notably, during a recent meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump chose to invite Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the media while Waltz remained silent. Furthermore, Waltz did not participate in Trump’s 100-day rally in Macomb County, Michigan, further emphasizing his dwindling influence.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, both Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, are expected to exit the administration, marking a significant shift in Trump's national security team.
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