Arya News Agency - Michael Waltz, known for his strong support of Israel and firm stance against Russia, China, and Iran, was reportedly removed from the White House, according to The Washington Post. His exit was softened by his appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, a move that reassured his international allies but distanced him from White House power struggles where he had little influence.
Speculation surrounds Waltz’s permanent replacement, with insiders predicting a low-profile, detail-oriented appointee rather than a well-known figure. In the meantime, Marco Rubio, serving temporarily as Secretary of State, will act as National Security Advisor. Rubio has gained the president’s trust through loyal support and frequent visits to the president’s residence.
Waltz came under fire after the “Signalgate” incident in March, when sensitive discussions planned on a commercial messaging app inadvertently included an Atlantic magazine editor. His disciplined style clashed with Trump’s preference for billionaire allies in the administration.
Insiders say Waltz’s removal is part of an ongoing power struggle within the Trump administration between hawkish “neoconservatives” like Waltz and allies of Vice President J.D. Vance, reflecting deeper factional tensions. These changes come at a sensitive time, as Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff works to finalize peace deals with Russia over Ukraine and with Iran on its nuclear program. Some foreign officials expressed surprise at sidelining Waltz and his deputy Alex Wong during this crucial period.
Trump’s second term shows three competing groups: loyalists focused on “America First” and skeptical of foreign interventions, including Vance, Trump Jr., and far-right figure Laura Loomer; traditional internationalist Republicans like Waltz, Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe with limited influence; and the powerful “oligarchs,” billionaires close to Trump such as Witkoff, Treasury Secretary Steve Bannon, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Tensions surfaced publicly when the New York Post criticized Witkoff’s role in Iran and Russia talks, prompting a defense from MAGA supporter Charlie Kirk, who accused opponents of trying to sabotage the administration’s efforts. Loomer, who influenced Trump to remove several National Security Council staff, reacted to Waltz’s firing with a post simply saying “scalp,” signaling ongoing internal conflicts.
Further turmoil followed with the dismissal of three senior Defense Department aides linked to Pete Hegseth, some of whom shared Vance’s cautious views on military intervention. Hegseth’s role remains ambiguous, as he is seen as moderate militarily but critical of some MAGA policies.
This internal strife unfolds as the administration pushes to secure peace deals without alienating key allies like Israel, Ukraine, and Europe. Waltz and Rubio represent the traditional Republican foreign policy wing, but the only constant remains Trump himself, who has recently taken a tougher stance on Russia, signed a security pact with Ukraine, and advanced talks on a nuclear agreement with Iran.