Washington (Agencies): US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is stepping down from his post, marking the first major departure from President Donald Trump’s senior leadership team during his second term. The decision comes in the wake of the Signal group chat controversy, which exposed sensitive discussions about military strikes in Yemen.
Waltz, who created the Signal group chat, inadvertently added Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, allowing the journalist to access high-level conversations about US airstrike plans. The leaked chat revealed operational details, including timing, targets, and weapons packages, sparking widespread criticism and concerns over national security.
While Trump’s administration initially downplayed the incident, claiming no classified material was shared, the scandal—dubbed “Signalgate”—has had far-reaching diplomatic and political consequences. Waltz publicly took “full responsibility” for the error, but his position became increasingly tenuous as scrutiny mounted.
The White House appears to have waited for the Signalgate dust to settle before taking action, according to North American correspondent Anthony Zurcher. Reports suggest that Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, will also leave his post, signaling a broader shake-up within the National Security Council.
Waltz’s departure coincides with Trump’s celebration of his first 100 days in office, a period marked by both achievements and controversies. Speculation is rife about his replacement, with Steve Witkoff, a trusted Trump ally, emerging as a potential candidate despite his unconventional background as a lawyer and real estate investor.
As the administration navigates the fallout from Signalgate, Waltz’s exit underscores the challenges of balancing national security with political accountability in Trump’s second term.