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Trump Administration Removes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz Amid Signal Chat Controversy
Waltz and Deputy Alex Wong Depart Following Accidental Inclusion of Journalist in Sensitive Military Planning Discussion
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 1, 2025, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, were removed from their positions within the Trump administration.
The removals follow a security breach involving the accidental inclusion of a journalist in a Signal group chat used by senior officials to discuss military operations in Yemen.
In March 2025, Waltz added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a Signal group chat that included senior national security personnel.
The group was coordinating potential responses to threats posed by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Members in the chat reportedly included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
The chat referenced the formation of a "tiger team" to coordinate on Houthi-related actions and outlined next steps over a 72-hour period following meetings in the Situation Room.
The Trump administration confirmed that no classified material was transmitted via the Signal app, but acknowledged the incident prompted an internal review.
President Donald Trump, while defending Waltz publicly, noted that other National Security Council staffers had also been dismissed in the wake of the leak.
Waltz accepted responsibility for the incident in a public statement, calling the inclusion of the journalist “embarrassing” and vowing to investigate how it happened.
Wong, his deputy, was identified in the chat as responsible for assembling the coordination team.
Despite earlier White House assertions that the case was considered "closed," the final decision to remove both officials was made public after Trump held meetings with his cabinet following his 100th day in office.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries commented on the development, stating that Waltz's departure is unlikely to be the last among top national security officials.
The administration has not yet announced who will replace Waltz or Wong.
Trump has indicated that further announcements are forthcoming.
The controversy has sparked broader concerns in Washington about the use of unsecured communication tools for high-level government coordination.
While no formal investigation into the Signal chat's content has been announced, the incident has raised questions about national security protocols and internal communication practices within the Trump administration.
The removals follow a security breach involving the accidental inclusion of a journalist in a Signal group chat used by senior officials to discuss military operations in Yemen.
In March 2025, Waltz added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a Signal group chat that included senior national security personnel.
The group was coordinating potential responses to threats posed by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Members in the chat reportedly included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
The chat referenced the formation of a "tiger team" to coordinate on Houthi-related actions and outlined next steps over a 72-hour period following meetings in the Situation Room.
The Trump administration confirmed that no classified material was transmitted via the Signal app, but acknowledged the incident prompted an internal review.
President Donald Trump, while defending Waltz publicly, noted that other National Security Council staffers had also been dismissed in the wake of the leak.
Waltz accepted responsibility for the incident in a public statement, calling the inclusion of the journalist “embarrassing” and vowing to investigate how it happened.
Wong, his deputy, was identified in the chat as responsible for assembling the coordination team.
Despite earlier White House assertions that the case was considered "closed," the final decision to remove both officials was made public after Trump held meetings with his cabinet following his 100th day in office.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries commented on the development, stating that Waltz's departure is unlikely to be the last among top national security officials.
The administration has not yet announced who will replace Waltz or Wong.
Trump has indicated that further announcements are forthcoming.
The controversy has sparked broader concerns in Washington about the use of unsecured communication tools for high-level government coordination.
While no formal investigation into the Signal chat's content has been announced, the incident has raised questions about national security protocols and internal communication practices within the Trump administration.