In March, Mike Waltz, the National Security Adviser, faced intense criticism when it was revealed that he included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a private text chain on Signal. This group was reportedly discussing a Military operation planned for March 15 against the Houthi militants in Yemen. The controversy escalated with far-right figure Laura Loomer urging President Trump during a recent meeting to remove aides she deemed insufficiently loyal to the “Make America Great Again” agenda.
Reports suggest that Waltz, who previously served three terms in the House representing Florida, is the highest-ranking administration official to consider stepping down since Trump resumed his presidency. His deputy, Alex Wong, is also likely to leave, according to unnamed sources.
Waltz’s term has brought him under fire for too heavily relying on hawkish figures within the Republican Party, particularly from individuals like Loomer, who has expressed displeasure over the National Security Council’s personnel decisions. While Waltz admitted to “full responsibility” for the messaging chain, he claimed he was unaware of how Goldberg joined it, insisting that he did not personally know the journalist.
In addition, documents from the Signal chat are said to reveal sensitive details, including launch timings for military operations provided by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Though Waltz hurried to clarify that the situation was a misstep that didn’t cause harm, it added to the pressure on him within the administration.
Amid the turmoil, Waltz continued to appear in the media advocating for the administration’s initiatives, such as an agreement with Ukraine to access vital resources. As speculations about his likely departure spread, Loomer publicly celebrated these developments, claiming credit for instigating changes within the NSC and expressing hope that others deemed untrustworthy would also exit.
Her influence seems to have intensified, especially following recent staff changes where several officials were dismissed, following a meeting she had with Trump. Key figures ousted included directors of intelligence, legislative affairs, and technology, as part of what Loomer perceives as a necessary cleanup of the National Security Council.
As the administration seeks stability during this second term, Waltz’s leadership appears more tenuous, amid ongoing factional struggles and calls for purging figures seen as misaligned with the current political ethos.