Trump Allies Urge Accountability for Michael Waltz After Chat Incident

Donald Trump's allies are increasingly urging him to dismiss national security adviser Michael Waltz following reports that high-ranking defense officials discussed sensitive military operations on a commercial messaging app, inadvertently including a journalist. Screenshots from The Atlantic revealed that the discussion involved prominent figures, including Vice President JD Vance and other Cabinet members, regarding military actions against Yemeni Houthis, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. While Trump and his aides maintain that the information shared was not classified, Trump expressed uncertainty when questioned about the situation. Many within Trump's circle believe that the focus on the classification of the material distracts from the political implications of the incident, suggesting that a scapegoat is needed to manage the fallout. The call for Waltz's dismissal reflects a broader concern about maintaining control over the White House narrative amidst ongoing scrutiny. Some advisers suggest that addressing the issue through personnel changes could be a strategic move to alleviate political pressure.