United States President Donald Trump has replaced National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, nominating him instead to serve as the country’s ambassador to the United Nations.
Vice President JD Vance described the move on Thursday as a “strategic reassignment,” not a dismissal. In an interview with Fox News, Vance emphasized Waltz’s contributions to reforming the National Security Council (NSC).
“We brought Mike on to implement major reforms at the NSC, and he’s done exactly that,” said Vance on *Special Report with Bret Baier*. “He has the trust of both me and the president. Now, we believe he’s better suited to represent the U.S. at the United Nations as we move past the reform phase.”
Waltz’s departure marks the first major personnel change of Trump’s second term. He exits the post after just 102 days. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take over NSC duties while continuing in his current role.
Insiders say the change came as a surprise, especially after reports that Waltz had added a journalist to a private discussion about military operations. While the move stirred controversy, Trump remained publicly supportive of Waltz until this week.
Vance pushed back against portrayals of the change as a firing. “When Trump fires someone, he doesn’t nominate them for a Senate-confirmed position. This is about putting Waltz where he can do the most good for the country.”
Trump had also considered Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) for the UN role but ultimately chose to keep her in Congress to help maintain the GOP House majority.
Waltz’s nomination now moves to the Senate for confirmation.
