Trump’s Bold NSC Overhaul: Fighting the Deep State or Risking National Security?

President Donald Trump’s bold move to slash over 100 aides from the National Security Council (NSC) has ignited a firestorm of debate. The White House calls it a "right-sizing" effort, trimming a bloated bureaucracy to align with Trump’s vision. But with global threats like Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict looming, can a leaner NSC deliver the intelligence and coordination needed to keep America secure?

The cuts, affecting roughly half of the NSC’s 350-person staff, see career diplomats returning to agencies like the State Department and Pentagon, while political appointees are reassigned within the administration. This overhaul follows the departure of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, whose exit after the Signalgate fiasco exposed vulnerabilities in the agency. Key figures like Eric Trager, who aided Iran negotiations, and Andrew Peek, a linchpin in Russia-Ukraine strategy, are also out.

Insiders suggest Marco Rubio, interim national security advisor and Secretary of State, is streamlining the NSC to avoid power struggles. Trump, known for wanting direct control, is expected to rely heavily on Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for daily briefings. But critics warn that a smaller NSC risks poor coordination across agencies, potentially leaving the administration out of sync on critical issues.

Former NSC official Victoria Coates defends the move, noting that Ronald Reagan cycled through multiple advisors, suggesting flexibility is normal. Yet, she cautions that an overly lean NSC might lack the muscle to enforce Trump’s agenda across larger, well-funded agencies. Alex Gray, another former official, argues the NSC can function effectively with even fewer staff, focusing on implementing Trump’s decisions rather than overcomplicating policy debates.

As the NSC navigates this restructuring, the stakes are high. With Rubio at the helm, the agency must ensure no critical intelligence slips through, especially with global challenges intensifying. Will Trump’s gamble on a leaner, loyal NSC pay off, or is it a risky bet against the complexities of today’s world?