Mike Waltz Resigns as National Security Adviser After Signal Leak
Mike Waltz has officially resigned as National Security Adviser following a serious leak of military information shared in a private Signal chat. His deputy, Alex Wong, also stepped down shortly after the incident. The unexpected resignations have raised new concerns about how sensitive national security information is handled within the Trump administration.
What Caused the Resignation?
The controversy started when Waltz accidentally added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a group chat on the encrypted app Signal. The chat reportedly included discussions about classified military operations in Yemen and other foreign policy matters.
The journalist was part of the group for several hours and is believed to have seen messages that included potential military timelines and diplomatic strategies. Once the mistake was discovered, the group was shut down, but the damage had already been done.
This incident, which is now being referred to as “Signalgate,” led to internal chaos and heavy criticism from intelligence and defense officials. Many called it a serious breach of protocol, even though no evidence suggests Waltz intended to leak any classified information.
Who Is Mike Waltz?
Mike Waltz, a former Green Beret and congressman from Florida, was named National Security Adviser in January 2025. Known for his strong views on national defense and foreign policy, Waltz brought military experience to the White House. During his time in office, he focused heavily on U.S. strategy toward China, the Middle East, and Russia.
Though respected by many in conservative circles, Waltz also faced criticism for his aggressive stance on foreign conflicts and his sometimes unorthodox style of communication.
What Happens to Alex Wong?
Waltz’s resignation also led to the departure of Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong. Wong was part of the same Signal group and is believed to have contributed to the chat’s discussions. While it's unclear whether he directly shared any sensitive information, his resignation was seen as a move to take responsibility alongside Waltz.
Wong had worked in foreign affairs roles under previous administrations and was well-respected for his diplomatic knowledge, especially in Asian and Middle Eastern affairs.
Who Will Replace Waltz?
So far, the White House has not named an official replacement. However, Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer-turned-special envoy who has been working on negotiations in the Middle East and Russia, is reportedly being considered for the role.
Witkoff has little formal national security experience, but sources say his close ties to Trump and ongoing diplomatic work could make him a frontrunner.
Growing Concerns Over Messaging Apps in Government
This incident has brought attention to how encrypted messaging apps like Signal are used within the U.S. government. While these apps offer security, the ease of adding users and sharing information can create serious risks if not used carefully.
Experts say this event is a wake-up call for stricter guidelines and more secure communication tools for government officials.
