White House Restructures National Security Council: Staff Reductions and Major Changes Ahead

Major Changes at the National Security Council

President Donald Trump is making big changes to the National Security Council (NSC). These changes aim to streamline the organization and shift personnel around. The NSC is set to shrink significantly. Reports indicate that many staff members will return to their original agencies, and political appointees will face potential ousters.

This reorganization comes after the recent departure of Trump’s National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, who followed a more traditional Republican foreign policy approach. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken over the role since Waltz’s exit. Shifting power to the State Department and Pentagon is expected, but Trump often relies on his own instincts over outside advice.

The NSC was created during President Truman’s time to help the White House coordinate national security and foreign policy. However, during his first term, Trump expressed frustration with political appointees who he believed were obstructing his “America First” agenda.

Currently, around 395 people work at the NSC, including support staff. Out of these, nearly 90 to 95 policy experts will have the option to return to their original agencies. A portion of political appointees may also receive new roles within the administration.

The NSC has faced instability since Trump began his second term. Waltz’s dismissal followed a series of removals of NSC officials after concerns were raised about their loyalty. Notably, activist Laura Loomer had brought these issues to Trump’s attention, calling for a purge of officials she deemed disloyal.

Interestingly, since the start of his administration, about 160 aides at the NSC were sent home while staffing was re-evaluated to align with Trump’s vision. This suggests the NSC is undergoing a major “liquidation” of its workforce.

A White House official confirmed to Axios that the overhaul is happening. New deputy national security advisers, Andy Baker and Robert Gabriel, will support this revamped structure.

Waltz had been criticized for a privacy breach involving adding a journalist to a sensitive military planning chat. Though he took responsibility, it raised eyebrows.

The pressures and expectations within the Trump administration reflect broader trends in politics today. Public response has varied, with many on social media expressing their opinions. Some view these changes as essential to achieve Trump’s policies, while others worry about the potential loss of expertise.

Overall, as Trump navigates this second term, the NSC will likely continue to evolve, influenced by both internal dynamics and external pressures. Knowing how past leaders have handled such roles can provide insights into the challenges ahead.

For more on the historical context of the NSC and its evolution, consider checking out this article from the Brookings Institution.

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