It seems that US President Donald Trump‘s national security advisor Mike Waltz’s job is in danger after the Yemen war plan leak on a Signal group chat scandal.
“Should I fire him?” he inquired of his staff and associates, as controversy mounted over Waltz’s accidental inclusion of a journalist in communications about an impending Yemen military operation, New York Times reported.
Publicly, Trump maintained support for Waltz while criticising the media. Following Jeffrey Goldberg‘s article in The Atlantic about his inclusion in the chat, Trump described Waltz as a “good man” who needed no apology.
Privately, Trump sought counsel from various individuals within and outside his administration regarding appropriate action.
He expressed dissatisfaction with media coverage to his allies but was reluctant to appear influenced by press pressure. He also indicated hesitation about dismissing senior officials early in his second term.
For Trump, the primary concern appeared not to be Waltz’s careless discussion of military plans on a commercial application, but rather his possible connection to Goldberg, a Washington journalist Trump strongly dislikes. The president expressed particular concern about Goldberg’s contact details being in Waltz’s phone.
On Wednesday evening, Trump consulted with Vice President JD Vance, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, personnel chief Sergio Gor, Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and others regarding Waltz’s position.
Following a Thursday Oval Office meeting with Waltz, Trump indicated by Friday morning his inclination to retain him, according to three individuals familiar with the president’s thoughts.
Prior to the Signal incident, Waltz faced criticism for his hawkish stance, particularly regarding Iran, contrasting with the president’s preference for negotiation.
The Goldberg connection provided additional ammunition for Waltz’s critics.
Several Trump allies questioned whether Waltz, who previously served in George W Bush’s administration, aligned with the president’s foreign policy objectives. Sources indicate tensions between Waltz and both Vance and Wiles regarding Iran policy.
Despite the controversy, defence secretary Pete Hegseth appears secure in his position, maintaining Trump’s support despite sharing Yemen strike details in the Signal thread.