Vice President JD Vance has shed light on the sudden shakeup that saw National Security Advisor Mike Waltz reassigned to a new role, clarifying that the move wasn’t a firing, but rather a strategic decision by President Donald Trump.
Speaking to Fox News host Bret Baier on Special Report on Thursday, May 1, Vance stated, “We brought Mike on to do some serious reforms of the National Security Council. He has done that.”
More: Michelle Obama Reportedly Slams Trump Policies and Reveals Fears Keeping Her Awake
More: Democrats Launch Bombshell Impeachment Drive Against Trump for ‘Tearing Down Democracy’
The 40-year-old vice president continued, “I like Mike. I think he’s a great guy. He’s got the trust of both me and the president, but we also thought that he’d make a better UN ambassador as we get beyond this stage of the reforms that we’ve made to the National Security Council.”
“I think you can make a good argument that it’s a promotion,” Vance added.
President Trump confirmed the move on Truth Social the same day, announcing that he would nominate Waltz to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations — a role that requires Senate confirmation. In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will fill in as national security advisor, per the New York Post.
Vance pushed back against media speculation that the reassignment was a dismissal. “I think the media wants to frame this as a firing. Donald Trump has fired a lot of people. He doesn’t give them Senate-confirmed appointments afterwards,” he said. “What he thinks is that Mike Waltz is going to better serve the administration, most importantly, the American people, in that role.”
More: Russian Media Reportedly Censors Trump After He Urges Putin to Stop Attacks
More: Chaos Erupts on ‘The View’ as Christie Brinkley Sparks Wild Sing-Along Moment
The move came as a surprise to many in Washington, especially after Waltz was left behind on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews on April 29, as Air Force One departed for Michigan. According to The Daily Beast, Waltz had traveled to the airbase on Marine One with Trump and other officials but did not board the plane. CNN footage of the incident quickly went viral, showing Waltz standing alone as other staffers ascended the boarding stairs. White House officials later told CNN he had not been scheduled to travel.
Adding to the irony, Waltz had given an interview to Fox News just moments before his ouster was announced, praising Trump: “This is leadership at its finest led by our commander-in-chief who loves the troops and they love him.” After the announcement, Waltz posted on X (formerly Twitter), “I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation.”
You Might Also Like:
- Ben Affleck reportedly Eyes High Profile Romance with Angelina Jolie after JLo Split
- 3-Year-Old Girl Dies Hours After Being Sent Home for ‘Rash
- Omar Stirs Controversy with Profane Response to Reporter on Deportation Case
- ‘That Man Loves Me So Much’: Meghan Markle Calls Prince Harry Her ‘Super Mario Hero’ in Tearful Tribute to Their Dream Life
- George Clooney’s Wife Drawn Into ICC Clash as Trump Officials Tighten Travel Rules