Trump Confirms NSC Firings as Waltz Battles Signal Chat Fallout

President Donald Trump has confirmed the dismissal of several employees from the National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday, following a recent wave of political turbulence surrounding National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Waltz’s troubles stem from a Signal chat leak that first made headlines in March, leading to mounting criticism from Democrats.

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump addressed the firings, stating, "Always, we’re going to let go of people we don’t like, or people we don’t think can do the job, or people who may have loyalties to somebody else." While he acknowledged the dismissals, Trump clarified that the number of individuals let go was not significant.

Despite the shake-up, Trump voiced his continued confidence in the NSC team, noting their accomplishments, particularly regarding actions against the Houthis. "They’ve done very well, had big success with the Houthis," he added.

Mike Waltz, a decorated Green Beret and former Florida congressman, has been at the center of controversy ever since The Atlantic published an exposé detailing his involvement in a Signal group chat discussing potential strikes against Yemeni terrorists. The chat reportedly included several top national security leaders, such as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. While critics have accused the administration of recklessly sharing sensitive plans, Trump and his team have staunchly defended Waltz, maintaining that no classified information was shared through the encrypted messaging platform.

Signal, a secure communication app, is known for its encryption capabilities, ensuring privacy for participants. Yet, the leak has cast a shadow on the app's perceived security in government contexts. The Atlantic’s report described the administration as essentially texting “war plans,” further fueling the controversy.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke out earlier this week, emphasizing Waltz’s enduring role and importance within the administration. "As the president has made it very clear, Mike Waltz continues to be an important part of his national security team," Leavitt stated. She also assured the public that measures have been taken to prevent such incidents from occurring again. "We’re moving forward," she said, highlighting the team's contributions to national safety.

Trump’s administration has repeatedly brushed off criticism surrounding the leak, with Trump himself labeling the incident as a closed matter. Still, the fallout from the Signal chat saga continues to ripple through political circles, keeping Waltz in the headlines.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for further comment but did not receive an immediate response.