Trump Removes National Security Adviser Waltz, Appoints Rubio as Interim Replacement

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday removed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his interim replacement, marking the first major reshuffle of his administration since assuming office in January.

The announcement, made via Trump’s social media platform, also revealed that Waltz has been nominated to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. “He has worked hard to put our nation’s interests first,” Trump wrote in the post.

Waltz, a former Republican congressman from Florida and retired Army Green Beret, had drawn criticism from within the administration following a controversy in March involving a leaked Signal chat among senior national security aides. Sources familiar with White House discussions said the incident contributed to Trump’s decision to replace him.

Marco Rubio, who has been serving as Secretary of State, will now assume dual roles while the administration searches for a permanent successor in the national security post. The move underscores Trump’s continued reshaping of his national security team amid increasing global tensions and shifting foreign policy priorities.

Rubio’s interim appointment places him at the center of both diplomatic and security affairs, highlighting his growing influence within the administration. It remains unclear how long he will hold both roles or whether he will be formally nominated as national security adviser.