Shifts in Leadership: What’s Happening Inside Trump’s National Security Team?

Mike Waltz, recently ousted as National Security Adviser following the embarrassing “Signalgate” scandal, has been nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in a surprise reshuffling of key administration positions.

Key Takeaways

President Trump has nominated Mike Waltz as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations despite his recent removal as National Security Adviser following a security breach.
The “Signalgate” scandal involved Waltz accidentally adding a journalist to a Signal chat discussing sensitive military plans for Yemen.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will temporarily assume National Security Adviser duties as the administration considers replacements.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, with experience in Russia-Ukraine diplomacy and Middle East affairs, is a leading candidate to become the new National Security Adviser.
Waltz’s UN Ambassador nomination requires Senate confirmation before he can assume the position.

From Security Scandal to Diplomatic Nomination

President Donald Trump announced Mike Waltz as his nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, mere days after Waltz’s departure as National Security Adviser amid controversy. Waltz’s downfall came after he inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal messaging app conversation where top administration officials were discussing sensitive military operations in Yemen. The security breach, quickly dubbed “Signalgate,” forced a major reshuffling within Trump’s national security apparatus.

Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, praising Waltz despite the circumstances of his departure. “I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations,” Trump posted, referring to Waltz as “a very good man.”

Vance says Mike Waltz, nominated as U.N. Ambassador, successfully led key reforms at the National Security Council ahead of his Senate-confirmed role. pic.twitter.com/9PTp2IWSTL

— Geopoliti𝕏 Monitor (@GeopolitixM) May 1, 2025

Administration Fallout and Interim Leadership

Both Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, were notably absent from a recent cabinet event despite having reserved seats, confirming reports of their impending departures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has temporarily assumed National Security Adviser responsibilities while the administration determines permanent replacements. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had previously attempted to downplay the situation, stating Trump “has the utmost confidence in Mike Waltz and his entire national security team.

Democratic criticism has emerged regarding the administration’s handling of the security breach. Senator Mark Kelly pointedly questioned the involvement of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the incident. The controversy has created the first significant personnel challenge for Trump’s second term, occurring just weeks after the new administration took office.

Looking Forward: Potential Successors and Policy Shifts

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Waltz as National Security Adviser. Witkoff’s background includes substantial diplomatic experience with Russia-Ukraine relations and Middle East affairs, suggesting potential shifts in foreign policy approach. His selection would signal Trump’s prioritization of experienced negotiators in handling complex international challenges, particularly regarding ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Waltz, a former Republican congressman, must now navigate the Senate confirmation process for his UN Ambassador nomination. The position represents a significant diplomatic role, albeit with less direct influence on day-to-day national security matters than his previous position. For the administration, this rapid transition highlights the challenges of maintaining continuity while responding decisively to security breaches.

The reshuffling marks the first major shake-up in Trump’s second administration, testing the President’s ability to maintain national security cohesion while managing the political fallout from a preventable security breach. How these personnel changes impact America’s approach to international relations remains to be seen, but the swift nominations suggest Trump’s determination to project stability despite internal disruptions.