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President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are leading a significant overhaul of the National Security Council, aiming to reassign key functions to other federal agencies, particularly the State and Defense departments.
This initiative represents an ongoing effort to streamline a federal body that has long faced criticism for its size and bureaucracy. This restructuring comes just weeks after Trump announced the departure of former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who has been nominated to serve as the United Nations ambassador.
The proposed changes are rooted in a belief within the Trump administration that the National Security Council is overrun with entrenched staffers whose priorities do not align with the president’s agenda. Trump and Rubio are committed to reducing the council’s size as a way to eliminate what they perceive as the operational hindrances posed by the so-called “Deep State” in Washington.
Reassignment of Key Officials
In light of these reforms, significant personnel changes are expected. Andy Barker, currently the national security advisor for Vice President JD Vance, and Robert Gabriel, who serves as an assistant to the president for policy, will be promoted to positions as deputy national security advisors. This strategy aims to enhance the council’s responsiveness and alignment with the executive branch’s priorities.
Confirmation of Reports by Axios
Axios was the first to report on the Trump administration’s plans for restructuring the National Security Council, and a White House official has since confirmed these details to Fox News Digital. The official indicated that Trump’s and Rubio’s efforts are directed toward combating what they deem the bureaucratic overreach within the council.
According to the official, “The NSC is the ultimate Deep State. It’s Marco versus the Deep State. We’re gutting the Deep State.” This statement underscores the administration’s aggressive stance against perceived bureaucratic impediments.
The Role of the National Security Council
Established to advise the president on national security, military, and foreign affairs, the National Security Council typically plays a critical role in shaping U.S. policy. However, recent developments, including Waltz’s exit after involvement in a controversy regarding strike plans against the Houthis, have called its function into question.
Waltz’s departure followed a debacle involving other officials, like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, that revolved around discussions in a Signal chat platform. This incident has contributed to the administration’s drive for reform.
Expanded Responsibilities for Rubio
Since Waltz’s departure earlier this month, Rubio has expanded his responsibilities to include the role of national security advisor in addition to overseeing the State Department, acting as archivist, and managing the U.S. Agency for International Development. This agency is also under scrutiny as the administration plans to dismantle it in the current fiscal year.
Changes at the State Department
Fox News Digital recently uncovered plans for the State Department to incorporate the remaining operations of USAID, ultimately rendering it no longer an independent agency. The administration’s strategy involves drastic staff reductions to enhance the efficiency of what they describe as “life-saving” foreign assistance programs. A State Department memo obtained by Fox News Digital outlines these aggressive measures.
Looking Forward: Reshaping U.S. National Security Policy
As the Trump administration pushes forward with restructuring the National Security Council, it remains committed to pursuing a broader agenda aimed at simplifying operations within the federal government. This effort could significantly reshape U.S. national security policy and foreign relations. Effective oversight on these changes will be essential, as the stakes involve not just internal governance but also the international standing of the United States.
The path ahead will likely continue to generate debate and scrutiny as it unfolds. Observers will remain watchful of how these adjustments impact both national security strategies and diplomatic engagements worldwide.
In this shifting political landscape, clarity on the administration’s goals and the effectiveness of its approach will be crucial in determining the future of U.S. national security and foreign policy.
