Waltz Faces Fallout for Adding Journalist to Top-Secret Military Discussion
Reuters reported on Thursday that anonymous government sources expect US President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Mike Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong to step down from their positions, marking a major shakeup at the White House.
The development follows a high-profile controversy in March, where Waltz mistakenly added The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a top-secret Signal group chat. The chat reportedly contained sensitive military plans about upcoming airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen—including classified details on weapons systems and strike timings. Goldberg claimed he saw the plans two hours before the actual bombing occurred.
Trump Defends NSA Despite Leak
Despite growing backlash, President Trump stood by Waltz and other top officials involved, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump said to NBC News in a statement, “Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and he’s a good man.”
However, internal discussions and external pressure appear to have taken their toll. The administration is now considering US special envoy Steve Witkoff as a potential replacement. Witkoff is known for his work on both Russia-Ukraine diplomacy and Middle East affairs.
Waltz’s Background in Politics and the Military
Before taking the NSA role, Waltz served as a congressman representing Florida’s 6th district from 2019 to January 2025. During his time in Congress, he was an active member of the House Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs committees.
A decorated military veteran, Waltz served in the US Army and National Guard for 27 years and retired with the rank of colonel. His experience in counterterrorism and international security made him a strong pick for the NSA position at the start of Trump’s second term.
The Signal Chat Leak Explained
The controversy that ultimately led to Waltz’s resignation began in late March. Goldberg revealed in an article that he had been mistakenly added to a high-level Signal group that included officials like Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Hegseth. The messages in the chat disclosed real-time details about an imminent airstrike in Yemen.
Initially, Waltz denied knowledge of how Goldberg ended up in the group. However, he later admitted fault during an interview with Fox News, saying, “I take full responsibility,” and confessed that he had personally created the chat group.
What’s Next for the White House?
With Waltz’s likely departure, all eyes are now on how the Trump administration manages damage control while navigating complex security challenges abroad. Whether Steve Witkoff or another official steps into the NSA role, the new appointee will need to restore internal confidence and ensure tighter operational security moving forward.
