**Trump Shakes Up National Security, Elevates Waltz to UN Ambassador Role**

**The shake-up in national security leadership comes as Waltz faces scrutiny over a chat leak, prompting discussions on his potential Senate confirmation.**

 

In an unexpected turn of events, President Donald Trump has ousted Mike Waltz from his role as National Security Adviser and nominated him as the new Ambassador to the United Nations. The announcement was made via social media, in which Trump expressed appreciation for Waltz’s service and announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would take on the dual role of national security adviser while continuing his duties as America's chief diplomat.

Waltz's removal appears linked to his recent misstep in sharing sensitive military discussions on a group chat, where he inadvertently included a journalist. This incident has raised concerns about Waltz’s vetting processes for National Security Council staff and could complicate his confirmation as UN Ambassador, as highlighted by several anonymous government officials speaking to the BBC.

Despite these controversies, Trump commended Waltz's dedication to national interests, suggesting a swift yet respectful transition rather than a harsh dismissal. Waltz expressed gratitude for the opportunity on social media, stating he was honored to serve in a new capacity for the country.

The decision to nominate Waltz reportedly came hours before the public announcement, raising questions about the internal dynamics within the White House and the timing of such leadership changes. Observers have noted the high-profile nature of Waltz's new position, serving as a potential cushion following the national security adviser's exit.

Furthermore, Waltz has been under scrutiny since he acknowledged a mistake in a conversation involving confidential military operations, an issue that may resurface during his UN confirmation hearings. While the fate of Waltz's deputy, Alex Wong, remains uncertain, he defended the White House's actions in response to threats from Yemen's Houthis during recent interviews.

As the administration adjusts, the UN ambassador position remains vacant after Trump had previously withdrawn the nomination of Elise Stefanik, hinting at the contentious political landscape as the president attempts to solidify his appointments. Amid this upheaval, figures like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and aides are weighing in humorously on the situation, highlighting the drama surrounding Waltz’s departure from the security advisory role.

The announcement has created ripples not only for Trump's internal strategy but also raises questions about future prospects for the national security team, as Trump aims to navigate a balance between stability and turnover—a challenge that marked his previous term. The appointment of Rubio as both secretary of state and national security adviser echoes the historical precedent set by Henry Kissinger, and new candidates for the vacant advisory position are already being discussed, including potential names like Steve Witkoff and Ric Grenell.

As the national security team reshapes, Waltz's upcoming confirmation journey is poised to draw significant attention amidst ongoing scrutiny and political maneuvering.