Trump names Rubio interim NSA, Waltz steps down but stays in administration

US President Donald Trump has given Secretary of State Marco Rubio the additional responsibility of Interim National Security Advisor, following the announcement that US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, will step down from their positions on Thursday (May 1).

Meanwhile, the president also nominated Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations.

In a statement on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department. Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Waltz came under intense scrutiny in March this year after he mistakenly added The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat group meant to discuss plans of a military strike on Houthi targets.

Despite initial denials, Waltz later admitted that classified information had been shared on the chat, triggering a debate in the White House about whether he should step down.

“I take full responsibility. I built the group,” Waltz said. “It’s embarrassing. We’re going to get to the bottom of it.”

Waltz never offered to resign, and Trump didn’t ask him to do so at that time.

Trump had later called Waltz a “good man” and said he had “learned a lesson”.

One source cited in the US media said Waltz’s exit may be linked to a broader reorganisation in the White House and not the Signal chat leak controversy.

According to CNN, Waltz was made clear earlier this week that “his time leading the National Security Council had come to an end”.

On Wednesday (April 30), when most of Trump’s cabinet met again for an event showcasing business investments in the US during his first 100 days in office, Waltz and Wong were noticeably absent. Even though seats with their names were specifically set aside, they didn’t show up.

‘Fired the wrong guy’

Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly was quoted by CNN as saying that the Trump administration may have fired the ‘wrong guy’ as he pointed his fingers at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“I think they’re holding the wrong guy accountable … I think they fired the wrong guy,” Kelly said.

Witkoff coming in?

The Independent meanwhile reports that special envoy Steve Witkoff may be welcomed in the White House as Waltz’s replacement.

It would be a remarkable rise for the lawyer and New York property builder who became a presidential dealmaker. He had absolutely no background in foreign relations, military matters, or government work before being chosen as Trump’s key Middle East peace representative during the time between the 2024 election and Trump’s official start in office on January 20th.

(With inputs from agencies)