National security adviser Mike Waltz is leaving his White House post, although soon after reports about his departure were published, President Trump announced he plans to nominate him to be ambassador to the United Nations.
It was not clear whether Alex Wong, Waltz's deputy, would remain at the National Security Council, as of Thursday afternoon, sources said.
The president also said in a social media post that in the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as national security adviser.
Waltz will need to be confirmed by the Senate for the ambassador role.
"From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation's Interests first.
In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor, while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department.".
Waltz said on X, "I'm deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation.".
It was a last-minute decision to nominate Waltz to be U.N.
Trump decided Thursday morning, the sources said, but there had been previous discussions about moving Waltz out of the NSC.
Rubio and Waltz had a meeting Thursday to discuss the transition in roles, multiple sources told.
It was unclear, even to some senior advisers at the State Department and the White House, when exactly Rubio would take over as interim national security adviser.
The political importance lies in whether the issue moves from public comment into formal action, party response, court record, election authority notice or administrative decision.
