JD Vance Defends Waltz's NSA Departure Amid 'Signalgate' Controversy
Vice President JD Vance firmly denied that former National Security Advisor Michael Waltz’s departure from his role was linked to the ‘Signalgate’ incident involving sensitive military information.
In an exclusive interview on ‘Special Report’ from the Nucor Steel Berkeley plant in South Carolina, Vice President JD Vance addressed the recent transition of Michael Waltz from National Security Advisor to the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Vance emphasized that Waltz’s move was not a demotion but rather a strategic placement where he could better serve the administration.
The controversy surrounding Waltz, dubbed ‘Signalgate,’ erupted after he inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal group chat where sensitive discussions about U.S. military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen were taking place. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, involved in the chat, shared information about the timing of these strikes, which sparked a debate on whether the information should have been classified.
Vance dismissed the incident as a ’nothingburger’ and stressed that Waltz’s reassignment was part of broader administration objectives, not a reaction to the Signal mishap. He argued that Waltz had successfully implemented reforms at the National Security Council before his nomination for the UN ambassador role.
The vice president himself was part of the Signal discussions and expressed concerns about the strikes’ consistency with President Trump’s foreign policy, particularly in relation to Europe’s defense responsibilities. Despite his reservations, Vance indicated his willingness to align with the administration’s consensus, highlighting the importance of internal dialogue in shaping effective policy.
As the U.S. continues its military operations against Houthi targets in Yemen, Vance reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting American interests and ensuring safe maritime trade routes. The ongoing strikes, part of Operation Rough Rider, have targeted over 800 Houthi positions, significantly impacting their capabilities.