Trump Stands Firm Behind National Security Advisor Amid Signal Chat Leak Controversy
President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, despite ongoing controversies surrounding a leaked Signal chat.
President Donald Trump has once again voiced his confidence in National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, amidst a whirlwind of criticism following a leaked Signal chat that included discussions on Yemen strikes. The controversy, which erupted after The Atlantic’s report in March, has put Waltz under intense scrutiny from Democrats and critics alike.
Trump, speaking from Air Force One, confirmed the dismissal of several National Security Council (NSC) employees but emphasized that the number was not significant. He praised the NSC’s achievements, particularly in dealing with the Houthis, and reaffirmed his trust in Waltz, a former Florida congressman and Green Beret.
The leaked Signal chat, which inadvertently included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, led to accusations of discussing ‘war plans.’ However, the Trump administration has consistently denied that any classified information was shared. Waltz himself took full responsibility for the leak, describing it as ’embarrassing’ and committing to investigate the mishap.
Despite the backlash, Trump and his administration have staunchly defended Waltz. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared the case closed and highlighted the steps taken to prevent future incidents. She also lauded the NSC’s leadership under Waltz for enhancing U.S. security.
The incident has sparked further investigations, including the use of Gmail for government communications by Waltz and his staff. NSC spokesman Brian Hughes refuted claims of mishandling classified information, stating that Waltz ensured compliance with records retention by cc’ing government accounts.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Trump’s unwavering support for Waltz underscores the administration’s stance on national security matters, even in the face of political and media scrutiny.