After weeks of internal chaos and growing distrust, Donald Trump is making sweeping changes to the National Security Council (NSC)—a move that’s sending over 100 staffers packing.
This shake-up comes on the heels of the so-called “SignalGate” scandal that led to the firing of former national security adviser Mike Waltz, and it signals a major reset for how Trump wants his foreign policy team to function in his second term.
More Than 100 Staffers to Be Let Go in Massive Overhaul
According to insiders familiar with the situation, Trump is slashing the size of the NSC significantly, with over 100 people expected to be removed from their positions.
Many of those being cut are career professionals temporarily assigned from other agencies, while some political appointees will also be shown the door.
The administration is calling this an effort to streamline operations and realign the NSC with Trump’s priorities—but for many, it feels more like a purge.
Political Appointees Out, Career Staff Sent Back to Home Agencies
The reorganization includes both political loyalists and nonpartisan career experts.
Most of the career detailees—roughly 90 to 95 subject matter specialists—will have the chance to return to their original government agencies.
Meanwhile, some of the political appointees may be moved to other roles across the administration.
This move is part of what one source close to the decision called a “liquidation” of the NSC.
From Chaos to Control: Trump Tightens Grip on National Security Team
The NSC has been in flux since Trump’s return to the White House.
Even in the first few days of his new term, around 160 NSC aides were sent home while Trump and his team reassessed the staff lineup.
Much of this appears to be aimed at tightening control and eliminating voices that Trump believes don’t fully support his “America First” agenda.
Mike Waltz’s Exit Fueled by SignalGate and MAGA World Distrust
Mike Waltz didn’t last long in his role. Just weeks before this reorganization, Waltz was forced out following backlash over a controversial encrypted text chain.
He had reportedly added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private conversation about a sensitive military operation against the Houthis in Yemen.
Waltz later said he didn’t know how Goldberg was included—but the damage was already done.
MAGA Allies Pressured Trump to Clear Out the NSC
Influential far-right activist Laura Loomer played a key role in pushing for a staff purge.
She told Trump directly that certain aides weren’t loyal enough to his “Make America Great Again” vision and urged him to clean house.
She also criticized Waltz for being too close to “neocons” and what she described as establishment conservatives—those not fully aligned with Trump’s more populist approach.
Waltz Never Fully Fit In With Trump’s Inner Circle
Even beyond the SignalGate incident, Waltz faced skepticism from the MAGA base.
As a former Green Beret and congressman, he was seen as too deeply entrenched in Washington’s foreign policy elite.
While he shared Trump’s skepticism over costly U.S. aid to Ukraine, Waltz pushed for a tougher stance on Russia—something that didn’t sit well with Trump, who has often taken a more restrained tone toward Vladimir Putin.
Clashing Views on Iran, China, and the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy
Waltz also found himself at odds with Trump on major foreign policy issues.
He took a more aggressive approach to Iran and China, particularly when it came to U.S. support for Taiwan.
Trump, despite his often fiery rhetoric, has favored a more cautious strategy—preferring diplomacy and restraint over direct confrontation.
That disconnect ultimately made Waltz’s position untenable.
Marco Rubio Steps In As Interim National Security Adviser
Since Waltz’s departure, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has temporarily stepped into the national security adviser role.
His presence is expected to give more influence to the State Department and the Pentagon, both of which are seen as more aligned with Trump’s instincts.
Still, insiders say the president ultimately makes most decisions based on his gut—and he’s not shy about overruling his own advisers.
What’s Next for the NSC and Trump’s Foreign Policy Agenda?
With a dramatically slimmed-down NSC, Trump is clearly moving toward a tighter, more loyal inner circle on foreign policy.
Whether this streamlined team can deliver results—or whether it leads to more infighting—remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is certain: Trump wants total alignment with his vision, and he’s not afraid to clean house to get it.