Mike Waltz Steps Down as National Security Adviser Amid 'Signalgate' Controversy

Mike Waltz Steps Down as National Security Adviser Amid 'Signalgate' Controversy

In a significant reshuffling within the Trump administration, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has resigned following a high-profile security lapse dubbed "Signalgate." The incident involved the inadvertent inclusion of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat discussing sensitive military operations in Yemen, leading to the premature disclosure of classified information.

President Donald Trump announced Waltz's departure via Truth Social, nominating him as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been appointed as the interim National Security Adviser.

Waltz, a former Green Beret and congressman from Florida, had a brief tenure as National Security Adviser, serving just over 100 days. His time in the role was marked by internal conflicts and controversies, including strained relations with key administration figures and a hawkish foreign policy stance that clashed with the administration's direction.

The "Signalgate" incident has intensified scrutiny over the use of unsecured communication channels for sensitive information. While Waltz accepted responsibility for the mishap, the administration's decision to reassign him rather than terminate his service outright has drawn mixed reactions. Some view the move as a strategic repositioning, while others see it as a failure to hold officials accountable for security breaches. 

As the administration navigates this transition, the appointment of a new National Security Adviser will be closely watched, with potential candidates including Steve Witkoff and Richard Grenell. The outcome will signal the administration's approach to national security and internal cohesion moving forward.