President Trump dismisses NSA Michael Waltz amid issues with security breaches, economic conditions, and White House dissent.
Michael Waltz Dismissed: Major Shift in Trump’s National Security Team
President Donald Trump dismissed National Security Advisor Michael Waltz in a significant shake-up that forces reevaluation of staff alignment and foreign policy.
Waltz dismissal ostensibly came after internal dissent, a messaging scandal, and while the Trump administration is under increased political and economic pressure.
President Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong will be leaving their posts, US media reported.
Signal App Scandal Triggers Fallout
The scandal, dubbed “Signalgate”, erupted when Waltz’s team reportedly used the encrypted messaging app Signal for sensitive communications.
The mishap came to light when The Atlantic revealed Waltz had unknowingly included an editor in a confidential military coordination group chat.
Additional reports exposed the use of personal Gmail accounts by Waltz’s senior staff to conduct government business, drawing severe backlash from lawmakers and the media.
Judicial Blow: Federal Court Blocks 18th-Century Legal Tactic
A federal judge in Texas permanently barred the administration from invoking an archaic 18th-century law to deport Venezuelan migrants.
This ruling, issued by Trump appointee Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr., further complicated the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement agenda.
Mass Arrests in Florida and Model for Crackdowns
In a span of six days, over 1,100 individuals were arrested in Florida as part of a federal immigration operation.
Trump officials described this as a blueprint for similar nationwide crackdowns, emphasizing collaboration with state correctional and wildlife officers to target undocumented immigrants with criminal histories or deportation orders.
Economic Slump: Trump Blames Predecessor
The U.S. economy shrank during the first quarter of the year, according to the Commerce Department.
In response, Trump tried to shift blame to former President Joseph R. Biden Jr., claiming the Biden administration is planning new investments to stimulate recovery.
Speaking to corporate leaders at the White House, Trump emphasized new economic reforms coming soon.
Internal Chaos and Loyalty Tests
Waltz’s ouster speaks to wider internal instability.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has reportedly begun searching for a replacement, amid media speculation and intense scrutiny.
Trump’s emphasis on loyalty became apparent after he purged NSC aides who had diverged from his policy goals.
Waltz’s fall from favor contrasts with his earlier support from Trump, who once described him as a “good man” learning from mistakes.
Critics Raise Red Flags Over Security Practices
Democratic Sen. Jack Reed identified a “clear, troubling pattern” involving bad data security, and called on Congress to look at it in a bipartisan way.
He warned that breaches like these might create serious national risks.
While Waltz faced intense criticism for his online information being consolidated by technology for third-party use, Trump dodged the blame, turning it toward technology and the media.
White House Excludes Waltz From Praise
At a National Day of Prayer event, Trump lauded officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, but noticeably excluded Waltz.
Questions remain over the status of Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, who was targeted by far-right activist Laura Loomer as a disloyal figure with past Democratic ties.
Foreign Policy Clashes and Final Days
Waltz’s assertive positions on Iran, China, and Russia—along with his resistance to withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan—clashed with Trump’s America First agenda.
Though he downplayed policy disagreements, Waltz had vowed to fully align the NSC with the president’s goals.
Nevertheless, his administration became the shortest administration since Michael Flynn was removed during the first Trump administration.
A Presidency Under Siege
Trump’s administration continues to face mounting pressures—judicial defeats, an economic downturn, fracturing alliances, and a troubled security situation.
While Waltz’s removal could further translate into Trump’s centralization of authority within the White House, it raises questions about the overall operational stability and competence of Trump’s staff as they conclude the remainder of his second term in office.