National Security Adviser Mike Waltz's job security is in question following a major blunder involving a private Signal chat.
Despite mounting pressure from multiple fronts, President Donald Trump is maintaining his support for Waltz to avoid appearing as though he is yielding to media criticism, Politico reported.
The call to oust Waltz arose during a crucial Wednesday evening meeting between Vice President JD Vance, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and senior personnel official Sergio Gor. The inadvertent addition of a journalist to a restricted Signal chat caused substantial embarrassment to the White House, fueling dissatisfaction internally.
President Trump has not yet decided to terminate Waltz, as he values the lesson the adviser has learned but remains cautious about yielding to external pressures. His past experience with Michael Flynn reinforces his determination to prevent critics from claiming a perceived victory, prompting him to reflect on the consequences of pressured decision-making.
The incident, first reported by The Atlantic five days ago, continues to be a source of tension, with some insiders expressing angst over Waltz’s handling of the situation. Criticism has emerged regarding his perceived accountability, as some felt he should have voluntarily resigned to mitigate the damage.
Vice President Vance, displaying unity within the administration, included Waltz in a trip to Greenland on Friday, illustrating ongoing support for personnel decisions. Vance openly challenged the press months before, confidently stating the administration's firmness despite the situation. Amid the unfolding drama, the administration's focus has been divided due to looming tariff deadlines and specific elections, which have somewhat diverted attention away from Waltz’s controversy.
Waltz’s role within the administration has created friction, particularly with Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Reports indicate that many perceive Waltz’s approach as overstepping, which has potentially fueled tension within the White House hierarchy.
Despite these challenges, President Trump has publicly affirmed Waltz’s acknowledgment of his mistake, emphasizing the adviser has gleaned valuable lessons from this fiasco. However, according to anonymous sources, discontent with Waltz's retention persists.
As insiders predict a future shift in the news cycle, speculation abounds that Trump’s current support may not be everlasting. Various predictions suggest that Waltz's position is precarious, dependent on shifting political pressures and media focus.
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, reassured the confidence that President Trump has in his national security apparatus, including Waltz, speaking to the administration’s commitment to their team. Meanwhile, Waltz’s spokesman, Brian Hughes, called for skepticism toward claims made by unidentified individuals. Amid the controversy, Waltz strengthened his defense by emphasizing transparency and denying any previous association with journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, who was inadvertently added to the chat.
An insider stated: "When you’re a staffer and you become a liability or distraction for your principal, you fucking resign — I don’t care what the situation is." Another source vented about the strained Wiles-Waltz relationship: "He doesn’t treat her with the kind of respect that he should be treating a chief of staff, and he was probably going to be gone at some point anyway."
The chaotic dynamics within the administration highlight ongoing efforts to manage internal relations, particularly under the constant scrutiny of the media. Trump’s reluctance to terminate Waltz aligns with his enduring resistance to press-driven narratives.
In conclusion, Mike Waltz's tenure as National Security Adviser hangs in the balance amid a high-stakes political landscape. While President Trump supports him, pressure is mounting within the administration. For now, Trump’s decision to retain Waltz seems motivated by a desire not to embolden his critics.
