Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz To Step Down Amid Signal Group Chat Controversy

May 1, 2025: Mike Waltz, former U.S. Army Green Beret and key national security adviser to former President Donald Trump, is set to leave his post just weeks after being linked to a controversial Signal group chat scandal that has rocked Republican circles and raised questions about the internal communications of Trump’s post-presidency team.

Waltz, who has served as a close Trump confidant on defense and intelligence matters, came under scrutiny after leaked messages from an encrypted Signal chat revealed disparaging comments about political opponents, strategic coordination with campaign donors, and discussions that raised potential ethical and legal concerns. The content of the messages has not been fully disclosed, but multiple sources confirm that the group chat involved several high-ranking GOP operatives and advisers close to Trump.

According to individuals familiar with the matter, Waltz had been considering stepping down even before the Signal controversy erupted, citing personal reasons and growing frustrations with internal divisions among Trump’s political orbit. However, the fallout from the leak appears to have accelerated his decision.

“It’s a combination of burnout and the blowback from the Signal group,” said one insider who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He didn’t want to become a distraction as Trump ramps up his 2024 campaign strategy.”

The Signal scandal, which first surfaced in early April, has prompted calls from Democrats and watchdog organizations for an investigation into whether any national security protocols were violated. Waltz has not been formally accused of wrongdoing but has faced mounting pressure both from within the GOP and external observers.

Waltz’s departure leaves a notable gap in Trump’s inner circle, particularly as foreign policy and defense issues remain hot-button topics in the ongoing presidential campaign. A replacement has not yet been named, but sources suggest Trump is considering several loyalists with military backgrounds.

Mike Waltz, a former U.S. Representative from Florida and Army veteran, had built a reputation as a hawkish voice on China and counterterrorism. His resignation marks another shift in the ever-evolving lineup of Trump’s national security advisers, a position that has historically seen rapid turnover.

The Trump team has not issued a formal statement on Waltz’s exit, but insiders suggest it will be framed as a “mutual and respectful” separation.

As of now, Waltz has not announced any plans for future political or private-sector roles.

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