U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed national security adviser Mike Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, after a messaging mishap triggered concerns about operational security. The decision came after Waltz mistakenly added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal group chat used to discuss classified military operations targeting Houthi positions in Yemen.
The incident, dubbed “Signalgate,” exposed the administration to criticism over lax communication protocols and raised alarms inside the White House and intelligence circles. Although Trump initially stood by Waltz, growing discontent within his circle — especially from nationalist voices — accelerated his removal.
Waltz, a former Green Beret and Florida congressman, had served in the role for less than four months. He is the fifth national security adviser to leave the position under Trump, continuing a pattern of rapid turnover in the post.
Possible successors include Steve Witkoff, Stephen Miller, Richard Grenell, and Robert O’Brien — figures seen as more ideologically aligned with the president’s current priorities.White House sources confirmed that an internal review of communication security procedures is underway, and staff involved in sensitive policy discussions will face new clearance checks and training protocols in the coming weeks.