Waltz may leave in the near future, but the decision is not yet final – says five people familiar with the case in an interview with Politico. Trump is known for changing the plans that he presents to his employees and even announces publicly.
The names of the potential successors of Waltz were discussed in the west wing of the White House for several weeks, but according to two people and another person closely related to the White House, Plans to remove Waltz have already gained momentum this week in recent days. If the resignation becomes a fact, as many as four people from a close circle of president are mentioned among the potential successors of Waltz.
If Waltz leaves, this will be the first resignation of a high -ranking official in the second term of Trump's administration. Until now, the president has been based on pressure to release members of the office and other leading advisers. It would also be a spectacular defeat of the former Congressman of Florida and a military veteran.
The spokeswoman of the White House, asked to comment, Karoline Leavitt said: “We will not respond to reports of anonymous sources.”
Four favorites in the fight for Waltz's position
It is not clear who will take over the influential National Security Council of the White House if Waltz is canceled. According to three people, now The favorite is the special envoy of Trump Steve Witkoffwhich negotiations with Russia regarding the end of the Kremlin war with Ukraine, as well as with Iran and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Other potential candidates are Stephen MillerTrump's main adviser, politics, Sebastian Gorkasenior director of the National Security Council for the fight against terrorism, and Richard Grenellspecial envoy of Trump for special missions.
According to two people familiar with this matter, Waltz's departure may also mean the deputy of Alex Wong's Deputy National Security Advisor.
Waltz's troubles only stratified
In just six years, Waltz was promoted to the Committee of the Armed Forces of Representatives to the highest levels of American national security. Since The Atlantic magazine first informed about the existence of a special group on the Signal platform, where The highest officials of the Trump administration discussed the plans of attack on members supported by Iran of the Huti Group in Yemeniquestions about the future of Waltz arose in the White House.
Although Trump and administrative officials have repeatedly trusting Waltz, many in the west wing of the White House were also furious at the sloppy slip -up of the politician. Waltz created a chat and by mistake added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic magazine to the conversation. According to former and current officials, information on March raids, including their conducting time and used weapon systems, was probably top secret.
Waltz's position was further weak after the extreme right -wing activist Laura Loomer met with Trump and convinced him to dismiss several members of the National Security Council and high officials, including the director of the National Security Agency, General Tim Haugh, because of doubts about their loyalty. Loomer also attacked Deputy Waltz, Wong, accusing the son of Chinese immigrants of acting for China's interests.
In response to reports of Waltz's resignation, Loomer sent a text message to Politico containing one word: “Loomered” [Zloomerowany]thus suggesting an impact on the decision of the US President.
Waltz's scandal and inability to protect their employees against Loomer's activities significantly weakened his ability to influence administration, and officials of the White House and the Department of State increasingly questioned his ability to effectively manage the National Security Council. The chief of staff of Susie Wiles was so frustrated with Waltz that she hardly talked to himaccording to two people familiar with this matter.
