Trump’s NSC Staff Restructuring: On Friday, May 23, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered a sweeping NSC Staff restructuring under Trump, firing dozens of staffers from the White House National Security Council. The firings took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., according to sources familiar with the matter.
Staff handling critical regions like Ukraine and Kashmir were let go. The move follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s appointment, replacing Mike Waltz. This action is seen as an effort to reduce the council’s influence and shift national security decisions closer to other government departments.
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Trump’s NSC Staff Restructuring: Insights
- The NSC Staff restructuring under Trump will cut the staff to about 50 people.
- The aim is to give more power to the State and Defense Departments.
- Staffers responsible for major global issues were removed.
- Some departments within the NSC will be merged or dissolved.
- The decision follows months of unfilled top posts and internal morale issues.
- Some fired staff will be reassigned to other government roles.
- Trump was influenced by right-wing critics pushing for a leaner NSC.
- Emotional scenes unfolded as staffers were let go.
- Laura Loomer reportedly influenced earlier dismissals of “disloyal” members.
- The restructuring follows a security breach under previous adviser Mike Waltz.
Background
The National Security Council (NSC) has long been the main hub for shaping U.S. foreign and security policy. Under President Joe Biden, the council had over 300 staff members. However, that number had already dropped sharply before NSC Staff restructuring under Trump began. Traditionally, the NSC advises the president and coordinates policy across key federal agencies.
Over recent months, the council has struggled to fill senior positions and maintain morale. The recent firing spree comes after mounting pressure from conservative voices who argued the NSC had grown too large and inefficient, overlapping with roles in other departments.
Main Event
On Friday, May 23, 2025, a major NSC Staff restructuring under Trump took place as dozens of staffers were fired. The decision came soon after Marco Rubio replaced Mike Waltz as national security adviser. Staff who managed top geopolitical issues such as Ukraine, Kashmir, and Africa were terminated, according to five anonymous sources.
The White House aims to scale the NSC down to just about 50 employees. That’s a significant cut from the over 300 staff it had during Biden’s presidency. The goal is to limit the NSC’s role in policy-making and focus it more on executing the president’s agenda.
According to sources, the changes will give more power to the State Department, the Defense Department, and other agencies involved in foreign affairs. Several NSC directorates are expected to be merged or removed. African affairs and NATO-related directorates are among those likely to be shut down.
Some of the dismissed staff will transition to new roles within the government. However, scenes inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building were tense, with some employees reportedly in tears.
Earlier in the year, several top NSC officials were fired after Laura Loomer provided Trump with a list of staff she viewed as disloyal. This added to ongoing morale issues, worsened by a past incident in which Mike Waltz shared sensitive information with a journalist.
This NSC Staff restructuring under Trump marks a clear shift in how the administration handles national security decisions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during President Donald Trump’s meeting with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office on April 14, 2025. Rubio also serves as the national security adviser.
Photo Credits: The New York Times.
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Implications
The NSC Staff restructuring under Trump could significantly affect how the U.S. manages foreign policy and national security. For the public, a smaller NSC might slow response times to international crises. The shift hands more authority to other federal departments, increasing their influence on foreign affairs.
For government insiders, the move may result in confusion and turf wars between agencies. Critics argue that reducing expert input could lead to poorly informed decisions. Businesses with international interests might also see changes in U.S. diplomacy that affect markets and partnerships.
Supporters believe this leaner NSC will streamline processes and align the team more closely with Trump’s priorities.
Conclusion
The NSC Staff restructuring under Trump is one of the boldest changes in recent U.S. national security history. Experts warn that downsizing such a vital body could weaken strategic planning. Others argue it will remove bureaucratic delays and empower faster action.
As the NSC adjusts to its reduced role, all eyes are on how the change will affect America’s global standing. Future developments will likely depend on how well the new structure functions and whether it truly improves efficiency without risking national security.
