US President Donald Trump has removed his national security adviser, Michael Waltz, from the position due to growing frustration with his hawkish views on military intervention. The decision comes after an Oval Office meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump in February, where Waltz appeared to advocate for a military strike against Iran.
Trump has nominated Waltz as his new ambassador to the United Nations, allowing him to remain in government. However, some White House officials have expressed concerns about the role of traditional National Security Councils in shaping foreign policy decisions. With Waltz’s departure, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take over temporary oversight, potentially diminishing an institution that has played a crucial role in modern presidencies.
The move signals Trump’s shift towards surrounding himself with loyal supporters who share his views on foreign policy. Vice President JD Vance had previously tried to help Waltz, but ultimately failed to save him from dismissal. The decision has sparked questions about the need for traditional National Security Councils and whether Trump truly needs a centralized institution for foreign policy advice.
Waltz’s replacement, Rubio, comes from the same conservative wing of the Republican Party as Waltz but has more readily shed his old views. He will face the challenge of implementing Trump’s desires on foreign policy while building out an institution that typically relies on career experts from across the government.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/03/waltz-trump-israel