President Donald Trump has decided to fire National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, marking a dramatic shakeup in his administration. The decision follows a major scandal that exposed sensitive military plans and sparked widespread criticism. Waltz’s departure signals Trump’s resolve to restore order in a White House rocked by controversy.
According to Daily Mail, Trump’s move to dismiss Waltz stems from a security breach. Waltz mistakenly added Atlantic editor Jeffery Goldberg to a Signal group chat with 17 senior officials discussing bomb strikes against Houthis in Yemen. The blunder led to the publication of classified messages, fueling weeks of negative press.
The incident, dubbed “Signalgate,” unfolded in March and humiliated Waltz publicly. Goldberg’s article in The Atlantic detailed the military plans, raising questions about the competence of Trump’s national security team. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also faced scrutiny over his leadership during the fallout.
Waltz took responsibility for the mistake but struggled to explain how Goldberg’s contact ended up in his phone. In a Fox News interview, he claimed, saying the number “somehow got sucked in.”
Trump has taken the action to remove Waltz from office, including his staffers to ensure this kind of act doesn't happen again. Donald Trump, even during his first term, has shown that he has no problem cutting positions if they are weak, or incapable of doing their jobs. This was yet another example of a strong move from our current sitting president, something the previous administration struggled with.
Journalist Mark Halperin reported on his 2Way YouTube show that the national security establishment was deeply unhappy with Waltz. He cited dissatisfaction with both Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, emphasizing that the issue was about competence, not ideology. Halperin noted that Trump had made up his mind, though the timing remained uncertain.
A source confirmed to the Daily Mail that Waltz’s exit is imminent, with an announcement expected soon. Trump has not finalized a replacement, but speculation points to Steve Witkoff, his special envoy who has met with Vladimir Putin. The White House National Security Council declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail.
The “Signalgate” episode exposed vulnerabilities in Waltz's ability to lead. The publication of sensitive messages not only embarrassed the White House but also raised alarms about his effectiveness of keeping national security at the forefront. Waltz’s error was much more than just simply adding a phone number.
Trump’s decision to fire Waltz reflects his determination to project strength with America always at the forefront. The president has faced intense pressure to address the scandal’s fallout and restore confidence in his team. Waltz’s ousting is a clear message that incompetence will not be tolerated.
As the White House navigates this crisis, all eyes are on Trump’s next move. The potential appointment of Witkoff. For now, the administration remains focused on moving past “Signalgate.”
Waltz’s departure marks the first cabinet-level firing of Trump’s second term. The scandal has left a lasting stain on his legacy as national security adviser. Trump’s swift action aims to turn the page on a chapter of embarrassment and mistrust.
