Signal Chat Fallout: National Security Adviser Ousted, Dems Say More To Come

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON D.C. – National Security Advisor Pete Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, were removed from their positions on May 1, Fox News confirmed, following a series of controversies and a loss of confidence within the Trump administration. Sources indicate that further staff removals are expected, and President Donald Trump is anticipated to address the situation publicly.  

Waltz, a former Florida congressman and decorated Green Beret, faced scrutiny after an incident involving a Signal group chat. In March, The Atlantic’s Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg reported being added to the chat, which included Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, where discussions about potential strikes against Yemen terrorists took place. Waltz acknowledged his responsibility for the inclusion of the journalist, stating to Fox News, “I take full responsibility. I built the group. It’s embarrassing. We’re going to get to the bottom of it.”  

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, speaking to Fox News, commented, “The National Security Advisor Waltz is out. He’s the first. He certainly won’t be the last.”  

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) said, “The departure of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz should not distract from the real national security threat still in office: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.”

He continued, “Secretary Hegseth has repeatedly risked exposing classified information to our adversaries, deliberately bypassed Pentagon safeguards by installing a ‘dirty line’ – an unsecured internet connection – to use the Signal app on a personal device, recklessly endangering military operations and American lives. Until Secretary Hegseth is held accountable and removed from office, our national security remains at risk.”

According to The Guardian, Waltz and Wong lost the confidence of other administration officials and found themselves isolated within the White House.

In the aftermath of the Signal group chat incident, Waltz sought counsel from JD Vance and others in the vice-president’s circle on how to repair his relationships. Vance advised Waltz to be more deferential to Wiles, who had advocated for his appointment, and to adopt a less assertive approach.

The Guardian also reported that a campaign to remove Waltz and Wong was spearheaded by Steve Bannon and far-right activist Laura Loomer, who promoted a conspiracy theory alleging Wong’s loyalty to China.

 While Trump had reportedly considered firing Waltz earlier, he initially hesitated, concerned about giving the media “the satisfaction of forcing the ouster of a top cabinet official weeks into his second term.”