(FILES) US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz speaks during a meeting with US President Donald Trump and US Ambassadors in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 25, 2025. Waltz is to leave his post following a scandal in which a journalist was accidentally included on a chat between officials about air strikes on Yemen, US media reported May 1, 2025. Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were both set to leave, CBS News reported, while Fox News said Trump was expected to comment on the matter soon. The White House did not immediately comment. Mandel NGAN / AFP
May 1, 2025
Washington, United States (AFP) —Donald Trump’s national security advisor is to leave his post—the first major departure of the president’s new term — after being embroiled in a scandal over a chat group leak, US media reported Thursday.
Mike Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong were both set to leave the White House, CBS News and others reported, while Fox News said Trump was expected to comment on the matter soon.
The 51-year-old former congressman from Florida lasted just over 100 days of Trump’s second term, which has so far been more stable in terms of personnel than his first.
Trump cycled through four national security advisors during his first presidency.
A White House official did not confirm the reports, saying they “do not want to get ahead of any announcement.”
Waltz showed no sign that he knew of his imminent departure when appearing early Wednesday on Fox News, where he hailed the new US minerals deal with Ukraine.
“Nobody said (it) could be done. President Trump said ‘get it done’,” he said.
Saying Trump has boosted US military recruitment, he added: “This is leadership at its finest, led by our commander in chief, who loves the troops and they love him.”
Waltz also was present at Trump’s televised cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
A former special forces officer, Waltz was seen as a moderate voice in the Trump administration when he was appointed, but reportedly clashed with other officials over his hawkish stance against Russia and Iran.
Trump has pushed for Ukraine to reach a quick ceasefire deal with Russia, while reopening negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.