The White House is dismissing reports of a potential dismissal of the national security adviser as a smear campaign.
Vice President J.D. Vance and other high-ranking officials reportedly suggested to President Donald Trump that he should consider firing National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. This suggestion was made during a private conversation regarding Waltz’s accidental inclusion of a reporter in a private discussion about U.S. military actions in Yemen, according to Politico’s sources.
Sources familiar with a Wednesday night White House meeting told Politico that Vance, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and personnel head Sergio Gor advised Trump that dismissing Waltz might be appropriate.
Reportedly, the president acknowledged Waltz’s mistake but ultimately decided not to fire him.
According to Politico, an insider stated that the administration didn’t want to give the press a “scalp,” suggesting the president didn’t want to give the media and Democrats a victory.
Politico also reported that Waltz’s position remains unstable, with one Trump ally predicting his departure within weeks. Other unnamed sources cited ongoing personal and political issues, claiming Waltz has alienated colleagues by exceeding his authority and behaving like a superior.
Waltz’s spokesman, Brian Hughes, refuted these claims, dismissing them as “gossip from people lacking the integrity to attach their names.” He affirmed that Waltz “serves at the pleasure of President Trump” and continues to have his support.
“`