By Gloria Nosa
In a sudden shake-up within the Trump administration, President Donald Trump has dismissed National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and his deputy following an internal investigation into a classified information leak. The firings come amid growing concerns over national security breaches and mounting pressure within the White House to identify the source of the sensitive disclosures.
According to senior administration officials, the decision was made after intelligence agencies traced the recent leak of confidential foreign policy deliberations to a meeting attended by Waltz and several members of his team. While the investigation did not definitively prove who was responsible, President Trump reportedly lost confidence in Waltz’s ability to manage national security operations and maintain the integrity of sensitive communications.
“This administration has zero tolerance for the unauthorized release of classified information,” a White House spokesperson said in a brief statement. “The President expects the highest level of loyalty and discretion from his national security team.”
Waltz, a former Green Beret and Congressman from Florida, had served as national security adviser for less than a year. His departure marks the latest in a series of high-profile staff changes that have rocked the Trump administration’s foreign policy apparatus. The identity of his replacement has not yet been announced.
The leak scandal comes at a delicate time for the administration, as it faces heightened tensions abroad and scrutiny over the handling of intelligence. Critics argue the president’s rapid personnel changes are destabilizing the national security establishment, while supporters claim the firings demonstrate Trump’s commitment to cracking down on internal disloyalty.
The FBI and intelligence community are continuing their probe into the leak, and further disciplinary actions are reportedly under consideration.
