By: Lumine
WASHINGTON, D.C. In a significant shake-up of the Trump administration’s national security team, President Donald Trump has removed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz following a major security breach dubbed “Signalgate.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will temporarily assume the role of National Security Adviser while continuing his duties at the State Department.
The controversy began when Waltz inadvertently added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a Signal group chat where top officials were discussing classified military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The chat included Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
Goldberg’s unexpected inclusion exposed sensitive operational details, including strike plans and weapon specifications. The incident has sparked serious concerns about the administration’s handling of classified information and prompted widespread criticism.
In response, President Trump announced Waltz’s removal and his nomination as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
“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,” Trump said.
An internal investigation has been launched into how Goldberg’s contact was mistakenly added. Preliminary findings point to mismanagement of contact data and a lack of verification protocols as contributing factors.
While some officials, including Hegseth, remain in place, the incident has triggered calls for stricter security protocols and greater accountability. Critics argue the use of unsecured communication platforms for top-level discussions shows a broader disregard for protocol.
As fallout from “Signalgate” continues, Rubio’s interim appointment signals an effort to restore confidence and stabilize the national security team. The Senate confirmation process for Waltz’s new post at the United Nations is expected to undergo intense scrutiny in the coming weeks.
