National Security Adviser Mike Waltz Steps Down Amid Communications Controversy

Mike Waltz's departure from his role as National Security Adviser comes in the wake of a controversy involving a mismanaged Signal group chat that included senior officials discussing classified military plans.

US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz is reportedly stepping down from his position amidst a series of issues that have plagued his tenure. As President Trump’s primary adviser on defense and security matters, Waltz faced scrutiny for the use of insecure communication methods employed by senior officials.

The catalyst for his resignation appears to be a recent incident involving a group chat on the secure messaging platform Signal. In March, it was revealed that Waltz inadvertently included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a chat where high-level officials, including Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, were discussing sensitive military strategies related to Yemen. This mishap raised alarms regarding the secure handling of government communications.

Waltz took full responsibility for the incident, insisting that no classified information was shared during that time. However, the event elicited widespread concern, leading both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to call for an investigation into what was seen as a major breach of protocol.

In conjunction with Waltz's exit, reports suggest his deputy Alex Nelson Wong has also been relieved of his duties. This transition points to broader changes within the US security apparatus, as officials navigate increasing pressures surrounding national security oversight and accountability. President Trump has defended Waltz's approach to governance, attributing some challenges to flaws in existing communication technologies.