Washington’s rumor mill got a jolt this week with word that National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is on his way out the door. Sources close to the White House, speaking on condition of anonymity, say President Donald Trump has lost faith in Waltz, and plans are in motion to replace him. The decision, first reported by Politico on May 1, 2025, caps a turbulent few months for the embattled adviser, whose tenure has been dogged by controversy.
Waltz, a former congressman and Army veteran, stepped into the high-stakes role in January 2025, riding a wave of optimism about his national security chops. But cracks started showing early. On March 25, a Politico report detailed a messy fallout from leaked war plans in a private Signal chat, which put Waltz’s job on shaky ground. The Atlantic group-chat debacle, as it’s been dubbed, had West Wing insiders whispering about his exit even then. Trump殞
The White House hasn’t commented officially, and Trump, known for his hands-on approach, will likely make the final call. Sources say the decision to oust Waltz was cemented in recent weeks, though no exact timeline for his departure has been confirmed. A Washington Post report on April 2 flagged Waltz’s use of personal email for sensitive government business, which didn’t help his case.
Waltz’s exit, when it happens, will mark another shake-up in Trump’s inner circle. The administration has seen its share of turnover, and this move signals more changes could be coming. For now, the focus is on who’ll fill Waltz’s shoes—and whether they can steady the ship.