Rubio Named Interim National Security Adviser Amid Waltz's UN Nomination

President Donald Trump has reassigned National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to serve as the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, following a controversy involving leaked discussions of military plans. Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, is also departing the White House. To fill the gap, Trump has named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as interim National Security Advisor, allowing Rubio to hold both roles simultaneously—an arrangement not seen since the 1970s under Henry Kissinger. The personnel shakeup caught even senior staff by surprise and comes as Trump continues to search for a permanent replacement for the national security advisor role. Trump emphasized Waltz’s service record and commitment to national interests in his announcement while highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong Republican presence in Congress, leading to the withdrawal of Elise Stefanik from UN ambassador consideration. The shake-up marks the first major staff change of Trump’s second term and signals ongoing efforts to stabilize and refocus his national security team.