Signalgate Put Waltz at Risk Prior to Its Unfolding
Signalgate may have marked a significant turning point for national security adviser Mike Waltz, but the seeds of his downfall were sown well before he inadvertently added a journalist to a private chat about a U.S. attack on Yemen. From the...
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Signalgate may have marked a significant turning point for national security adviser Mike Waltz, but the seeds of his downfall were sown well before he inadvertently added a journalist to a private chat about a U.S. attack on Yemen.
From the outset, senior administration officials expressed annoyance at Waltz's demeanor, perceiving him as excessively cocky. “He’s a staff, but he was acting like a principal,” remarked one individual close to the White House, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. Although national security advisers hold substantial influence, they serve to support presidents rather than operate agencies like Cabinet secretaries do.
Following the Signal chat scandal in late March, calls for Waltz's immediate ousting emerged from outsiders due to the apparent security breach. However, some insiders speculated that the negative headlines might unexpectedly buy him some time. Trump regards the media, including Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, as adversaries, and did not want to appear reactive to coverage of Goldberg’s involvement in the Signal chat by firing someone associated with the scandal. “Waltz has been on thin ice for a while. This made the ice thinner but at the same time…may actually save him for now because they don’t want to give Goldberg a scalp,” commented a White House ally at the time.
Despite this, Waltz had already alienated enough allies that his departure seemed inevitable; the only uncertainty was the timing of his exit.
On Truth Social Thursday, Trump announced that he is appointing Waltz as his ambassador to the United Nations.
Rep. Elise Stefanik was originally nominated for this position but was asked to step down due to the narrow Republican majority in the House.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also faced scrutiny for his role in revealing attack plans on Signal. Yet he enjoyed greater backing from the White House than Waltz, making his dismissal more complicated; replacing him would necessitate Senate confirmation. National security advisers, however, do not require confirmation, rendering them more disposable to Trump. “I know that Pete has a lot more friends in the West Wing than Mike has,” noted another individual familiar with the dynamics.
Waltz's relationship with fellow Floridian Susie Wiles had deteriorated, partly due to his perceived “too big for his britches” attitude, according to one ally. Although he had supporters on Capitol Hill, with some GOP lawmakers appreciating his presence, he struggled to fill key NSC roles with Republican foreign policy experts deemed as traditional defense hawks. Waltz's candidates for the NSC senior director for African Affairs were blocked multiple times by other White House officials seeking more enthusiastic MAGA adherents to staff the NSC. “The view was 'Wait why is he picking secret neocons for these jobs, that's not how this administration is going to work,’” described one person close to both Waltz and Wong, Waltz's deputy. “Which is bullshit, but that was the view and that set the stage for vibes of distrust and tension,” this individual said, speaking anonymously to candidly address internal matters.
Right-wing activist Laura Loomer reveled in suggesting that she played a role in ousting some of Waltz’s staffers. The New York Times reported that Loomer presented a list of names to Trump, labeling members of the NSC staff as insufficiently loyal. Several of these staffers were dismissed shortly after that meeting.
On Thursday, shortly after news of Waltz’s dismissal was reported by PMG and other outlets, she sent a one-word text to PMG: “Loomered.”
After several months of relative restraint, Trump appears poised to initiate further terminations.
A wave of planned firings may take place as early as late next week, according to two administration officials who spoke anonymously regarding internal discussions.
Within the West Wing, aides have begun referring to the anticipated shakeup as “The Purge,” as one administration official described. The strategy, according to this official, is to execute the firings in one decisive action rather than in a piecemeal fashion.
“The president is surrounded by highly talented and qualified patriots working to execute his agenda,” a White House official commented in response to queries. “Mike Waltz will continue these efforts, and Secretary Rubio will excel in this new role.”
While Trump’s second term has thus far avoided the treachery and high turnover that characterized his first term, the upcoming shakeup—likely starting with mid-level White House staffers—would indicate a significant change shortly after the 100-day mark.
“A lot” of firings are imminent, indicated the second official.
Jake Traylor contributed to this reporting.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
From the outset, senior administration officials expressed annoyance at Waltz's demeanor, perceiving him as excessively cocky. “He’s a staff, but he was acting like a principal,” remarked one individual close to the White House, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal dynamics. Although national security advisers hold substantial influence, they serve to support presidents rather than operate agencies like Cabinet secretaries do.
Following the Signal chat scandal in late March, calls for Waltz's immediate ousting emerged from outsiders due to the apparent security breach. However, some insiders speculated that the negative headlines might unexpectedly buy him some time. Trump regards the media, including Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, as adversaries, and did not want to appear reactive to coverage of Goldberg’s involvement in the Signal chat by firing someone associated with the scandal. “Waltz has been on thin ice for a while. This made the ice thinner but at the same time…may actually save him for now because they don’t want to give Goldberg a scalp,” commented a White House ally at the time.
Despite this, Waltz had already alienated enough allies that his departure seemed inevitable; the only uncertainty was the timing of his exit.
On Truth Social Thursday, Trump announced that he is appointing Waltz as his ambassador to the United Nations.
Rep. Elise Stefanik was originally nominated for this position but was asked to step down due to the narrow Republican majority in the House.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also faced scrutiny for his role in revealing attack plans on Signal. Yet he enjoyed greater backing from the White House than Waltz, making his dismissal more complicated; replacing him would necessitate Senate confirmation. National security advisers, however, do not require confirmation, rendering them more disposable to Trump. “I know that Pete has a lot more friends in the West Wing than Mike has,” noted another individual familiar with the dynamics.
Waltz's relationship with fellow Floridian Susie Wiles had deteriorated, partly due to his perceived “too big for his britches” attitude, according to one ally. Although he had supporters on Capitol Hill, with some GOP lawmakers appreciating his presence, he struggled to fill key NSC roles with Republican foreign policy experts deemed as traditional defense hawks. Waltz's candidates for the NSC senior director for African Affairs were blocked multiple times by other White House officials seeking more enthusiastic MAGA adherents to staff the NSC. “The view was 'Wait why is he picking secret neocons for these jobs, that's not how this administration is going to work,’” described one person close to both Waltz and Wong, Waltz's deputy. “Which is bullshit, but that was the view and that set the stage for vibes of distrust and tension,” this individual said, speaking anonymously to candidly address internal matters.
Right-wing activist Laura Loomer reveled in suggesting that she played a role in ousting some of Waltz’s staffers. The New York Times reported that Loomer presented a list of names to Trump, labeling members of the NSC staff as insufficiently loyal. Several of these staffers were dismissed shortly after that meeting.
On Thursday, shortly after news of Waltz’s dismissal was reported by PMG and other outlets, she sent a one-word text to PMG: “Loomered.”
After several months of relative restraint, Trump appears poised to initiate further terminations.
A wave of planned firings may take place as early as late next week, according to two administration officials who spoke anonymously regarding internal discussions.
Within the West Wing, aides have begun referring to the anticipated shakeup as “The Purge,” as one administration official described. The strategy, according to this official, is to execute the firings in one decisive action rather than in a piecemeal fashion.
“The president is surrounded by highly talented and qualified patriots working to execute his agenda,” a White House official commented in response to queries. “Mike Waltz will continue these efforts, and Secretary Rubio will excel in this new role.”
While Trump’s second term has thus far avoided the treachery and high turnover that characterized his first term, the upcoming shakeup—likely starting with mid-level White House staffers—would indicate a significant change shortly after the 100-day mark.
“A lot” of firings are imminent, indicated the second official.
Jake Traylor contributed to this reporting.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
