Michael Waltz, a former Green Beret and Republican congressman from Florida, resigned from his role as National Security Advisor (NSA) to President Donald Trump on May 1, 2025, alongside his deputy, Alex Wong. Waltz’s departure, the first major shake-up of Trump’s second-term administration, came amid fallout from the so-called “Signal-gate” scandal. In March 2025, Waltz inadvertently added The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal group chat containing sensitive discussions about U.S. military plans for airstrikes against Houthi militants in Yemen. The leak, which included operational details like strike targets and timings, sparked outrage and raised concerns about Waltz’s judgment and the administration’s handling of classified information. Despite initially taking responsibility and retaining Trump’s public support, Waltz faced mounting pressure from within the administration and never fully recovered his standing.
 

The Signal-gate controversy exposed deeper issues with Waltz’s tenure. Reports revealed that Waltz and his National Security Council (NSC) team relied heavily on Signal for sensitive communications, with at least 20 group chats discussing topics like Ukraine, China, and the Middle East. This practice, criticized as insecure, was compounded by revelations that Waltz’s team used personal Gmail accounts for government business, further eroding trust. Tensions with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, described as barely speaking to Waltz, and criticism from MAGA loyalists like Laura Loomer, who accused him of being too hawkish and misaligned with Trump’s “America First” agenda, sealed his fate. Waltz’s hawkish stance on issues like Iran and Ukraine funding clashed with the administration’s war-averse direction, and sources noted he struggled to coordinate foreign policy effectively across agencies.
 

Waltz’s resignation has sparked speculation about his replacement, with Trump reportedly considering Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and special envoy with no traditional national security experience, signaling a potential shift away from conventional expertise. The departure of Waltz and Wong, described as a significant blow to the NSC, has also intensified scrutiny on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who shared sensitive details in the leaked chat and faces a Pentagon investigation. While some, like Senator Mark Kelly, argued Hegseth should have been fired instead, Waltz’s exit reflects the administration’s attempt to move past the scandal. Posts on X suggest mixed sentiment, with some viewing Waltz’s resignation as a necessary purge of establishment figures, while others speculate about his next steps, including potential media or publishing deals. The episode underscores the challenges Trump’s administration faces in balancing loyalty, competence, and security in its national security apparatus.