Reference News website reported on May 3, citing a Reuters report on May 1 that US President Donald Trump dismissed Michael Waltz, the National Security Advisor, and appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to temporarily take over the position. This is the first major reshuffle of Trump's core group since he took office in January.
The position of National Security Advisor is an important role that does not require Senate approval. During his first term, Trump successively appointed four National Security Advisors: Michael Flynn, Herbert McMaster, John Bolton, and Robert O'Brien.
Two sources told Reuters that Waltz's deputy, Asia expert Alexander Huang, will also be forced to leave. Huang served as a North Korea official at the State Department during Trump's first term.
The report stated that Waltz's dismissal marks the peak of the one-month upheaval in Trump's national security team. Since April 1, at least 20 National Security Council staff have been dismissed, and the National Security Director and three senior political appointees at the Pentagon were removed.
Multiple sources within the government and related circles said that this round of purges severely undermined morale in certain agencies of the national security system. They added that some government agencies lack professional strength in national security fields, making it difficult to attract high-end talent for certain positions.
According to reports, the National Security Council is the core institution where the President coordinates security strategies, and its staff usually leads key decision-making on responding to the world's most sensitive conflicts.
The National Security Council has significantly downsized after several rounds of layoffs in recent weeks.
The report pointed out that this purge began a month ago when right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer submitted a "list of disloyal personnel" of the NSC at a White House meeting. After the meeting, four senior directors were dismissed; they respectively oversaw intelligence, technology, international organizations, and legislative affairs. Two directly informed sources said that these veteran officials who had been deeply involved in conservative policy-making did not show obvious hostility toward Trump, and their sudden departure left colleagues puzzled. The sources also mentioned that more than 20 other NSC employees at various levels were dismissed without prior notice.
Sources said that the "Signal" app chat group leak controversy was not the only reason why Waltz fell out of favor with Trump.
A source familiar with cabinet operations pointed out that Waltz was too "hawkish" for the war-weary Trump and failed to effectively coordinate foreign policies among institutions, which is the core function of the National Security Advisor.
A Washington-based diplomat who wished to remain anonymous said that Waltz's departure may cause concerns among European and Asian allies, who view Waltz as a supporter of traditional alliances like NATO and believe he effectively buffered the hostile stance of other Trump aides toward allies.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7500139122934530599/
Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Like/Dislike" buttons below.