Trump Administration Faces Turmoil Following National Security Council Shakeup and Signal Chat Leak
The Trump administration is grappling with significant upheaval within its national security apparatus, triggered by a series of events including the departure of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and the fallout from a leaked Signal chat involving sensitive military information. The developments have ignited a firestorm of criticism from Democrats, who are calling for further accountability and questioning the administration’s competence in handling national security matters.
News of Waltz’s departure, along with that of his deputy Alex Wong, was first confirmed by sources to Fox News. The move comes in the wake of what has been dubbed the "Signal gate fiasco," a reference to Waltz’s accidental inclusion of The Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat where war plans were reportedly discussed. The incident has raised serious concerns about the security protocols and judgment within the National Security Council (NSC).
Democrats wasted no time in reacting to the news, holding a press conference on Thursday afternoon to voice their concerns. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, invoking the words of the late Senator John McCain, suggested that more revelations were yet to come. "I’m not surprised that there is turmoil after the Signal gate fiasco, but I think there’s a lot more. In the words of the late and great John McCain, there’s more shoes to drop off the centipede," Kaine stated.
Echoing this sentiment, former Democratic vice presidential nominee Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota took to X, formerly Twitter, to quip, "Mike Waltz has left the chat," referencing the Signal chat incident.
However, Democrats have made clear that they believe Waltz’s departure is not enough to address the underlying issues. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued that the administration was "firing the wrong guy" and instead called for the dismissal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Schumer criticized Hegseth’s qualifications for the role, citing his lack of experience, perceived attitude towards women, and inability to run an organization. "Everyone knew that Hegseth was the wrong guy for DOD, given his background, given his attitude towards women, but given the fact that he had no experience and had never shown an ability to run an organization," Schumer said.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed Schumer’s sentiments, stating that Waltz should step down and agreeing that Hegseth should be fired. Jeffries went on to deliver a scathing assessment of the Trump administration’s handling of defense and national security, branding it "the most incompetent administration ever assembled." "The Trump administration is the most incompetent administration ever assembled, particularly as it relates to the defense and national security apparatus," Jeffries declared. He further labeled Hegseth "the most unqualified secretary of defense ever" and urged Trump to fire him if he did not resign.
Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a Navy combat veteran, also weighed in on the controversy, shifting blame to Hegseth and highlighting the severity of sharing sensitive military information. Kelly emphasized that the most troubling aspect of the Signal controversy was not the accidental inclusion of a journalist, but rather "sharing incredibly sensitive information about a strike off of an aircraft carrier, putting pilots at risk." He concluded, "I think they fired the wrong guy."
Amid the calls for Hegseth’s removal, it has been reported that Hegseth himself had also shared war plans in a separate Signal chat with family members, further fueling the controversy and raising questions about the administration’s adherence to security protocols.
Despite the mounting criticism, Waltz has publicly praised Hegseth, further complicating the situation and drawing attention to the administration’s apparent reluctance to hold Hegseth accountable.
In an unexpected turn of events, hours after Waltz’s ouster as national security advisor, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Waltz as the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. The announcement, made on Truth Social, came after Representative Elise Stefanik withdrew her nomination for the post to retain her House seat.
Trump lauded Waltz’s service in the military, Congress, and as his National Security Advisor, stating, "From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role." Trump also announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would serve as National Security Advisor in the interim.
The series of events has cast a shadow over the Trump administration, raising serious questions about its competence, judgment, and commitment to national security. The controversy surrounding the Signal chat leak, the departures of key NSC staffers, and the calls for Hegseth’s removal have created a climate of uncertainty and instability within the administration.
The Department of Defense has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments and revelations in the coming days and weeks. Democrats have vowed to continue pressing for accountability and oversight, while the Trump administration faces the challenge of restoring confidence in its national security apparatus.
