In a decisive move during the early phase of his second term, US President Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping reorganisation of the National Security Council (NSC), aiming to reduce its size, cut political appointees, and send dozens of career officials back to their home agencies, according to US officials cited by the Associated Press.
The NSC, established under President Harry Truman to advise the White House on national security and foreign policy, will now undergo significant downsizing. Officials report that its staff, which had grown to approximately 395 individuals—including nearly 180 support staff—will be drastically reduced. About 90 to 95 policy experts, currently serving on loan from other federal agencies, will be offered the opportunity to return to their original departments. Additionally, some political appointees may be reassigned to other parts of the administration.
Waltz Removed, Rubio Steps In Temporarily
National Security leadership sees major shake-up amid internal disputes
This reshuffle comes in the wake of the recent removal of National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Known for his traditional Republican stance on foreign affairs, Waltz faced criticism after journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently added to a secure messaging thread discussing a classified military operation in Yemen. Waltz accepted responsibility, stating, “he didn’t know how Goldberg was added.”
Trump has since nominated Waltz to serve as the next US ambassador to the United Nations. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stepped in as acting National Security Adviser.
Aligning NSC With ‘America First’ Vision
Trump reshapes council to reflect his foreign policy ethos
According to insiders, Trump’s intent behind the overhaul is to align the NSC more closely with his “America First” foreign policy doctrine. The restructuring aims to strengthen the roles of the State Department and the Pentagon, even as Trump continues to base critical national security decisions on his personal instincts and viewpoints.
This restructuring also follows the firing of several NSC officials earlier this month, reportedly under pressure from far-right activist Laura Loomer. Loomer, who has questioned the loyalty of certain staffers and has circulated conspiracy theories, appears to have influenced Trump’s decisions regarding the reshuffle.
Key Appointments in New NSC Line-Up
New deputies named to support revised national security strategy
Meanwhile, a White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the restructuring—initially reported by Axios—is already in progress. Furthermore, according to the same source, Andy Baker, National Security Adviser to Vice President JD Vance, and Robert Gabriel, Assistant to the President for Policy, have been appointed as deputy national security advisers.
