WASHINGTON — In a significant move by the administration, President Donald Trump’s national security adviser has temporarily reassigned around 160 aides from the National Security Council (NSC). This step comes as officials take stock of staffing levels and aim to ensure alignment with Trump’s overarching agenda.
The affected employees, primarily career government personnel known as detailees, were called in for a briefing on Wednesday. During this meeting, they were informed they would remain available to the council’s senior directors but would not have to report to the White House in the meantime. The NSC is essential in providing the president with guidance on national security and foreign policy issues.
Brian McCormack, the chief of staff to national security adviser Mike Waltz, communicated the decision during a brief phone call, instructing detailees to prioritize availability and to report only at the request of NSC leadership. He emphasized the honor of working within the White House, mentioning that every president is entitled to staff that aligns with their vision as mandated by voters.
This decision to pause the roles of these nonpolitical experts arrives amidst ongoing complex global issues for the U.S., including tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East. Some officials express concern that the restructuring could deter new policy experts from voicing disagreements or concerns on significant matters.
Before Inauguration Day, Waltz indicated his intent to return civil servants who were part of the council during President Joe Biden’s tenure back to their original agencies, ensuring that the council is staffed with those in alignment with Trump’s objectives. The goal is to create a “more efficient, flatter” NSC, although the final count of personnel after this review remains unspecified.
The review has already seen new detailees brought in from various agencies whose expertise aligns with the current administration’s priorities, including some who served during Trump’s prior administration. Reports indicate that multiple detailees within the counterterrorism division learned their assignments were being cut short.
Post-call, many of the sidelined detailees had their work emails deactivated, while being instructed to remain reachable via personal cell phones. It is unlikely they will be assigned any significant tasks during this evaluation period.
Waltz has promised a thorough examination of NSC personnel to ensure that staff members support Trump’s “America First” agenda, aimed at upholding national security while efficiently utilizing taxpayer funds. Personnel assessments and decisions began as of noon on Monday.
The staff affected predominantly comprises subject matter experts from agencies such as the State Department, FBI, and CIA, typically serving temporary government roles lasting from one to two years. Recently, incoming officials within the Trump administration reportedly questioned some career civil servants regarding their political affiliations and contributions, as well as their social media activity, to gauge alignment with the new administration’s values.
Waltz has expressed a desire for a team that is wholeheartedly supportive of the president’s plans. The NSC, which had its inception during the Truman administration, was designed to advise the president on national security and foreign policy while coordinating among government bodies. Generally, experienced experts have carried over from prior administrations, irrespective of political changes at the White House.
During Biden’s tenure, national security adviser Jake Sullivan defended the importance of retaining career government staff on the NSC. He labeled them as “patriots” who have contributed to administrations across the political spectrum, emphasizing their valuable experience in governance.
Previously, Trump’s administration faced considerable internal conflict when two military officers detailed to the NSC raised alarm about his 2019 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which led to a request for investigations into Biden and his son. This incident ultimately culminated in Trump’s first impeachment. Alexander Vindman, who was monitoring the call, and his brother Eugene, who was serving as the NSC’s ethics attorney at the time, escalated their concerns to higher authorities.
