Rubio may serve as Trump’s interim National Security Advisor, CNN reports
Photo: US Special Representative Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Presidential Advisor Mike Waltz (Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio may temporarily serve as the President’s National Security Advisor following the dismissal of Mike Waltz, CNN reports.
According to the outlet’s sources, Rubio and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau have been suggested as interim replacements for Waltz while President Donald Trump considers a permanent candidate for the national security advisor role.
Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is also being considered for the position. However, he has reportedly told people close to him that he is not interested in taking the job.
CNN sources also noted that Witkoff might still agree to take the position if Trump personally asks him to do so.
"Why would he do that? Be saddled with managing the interagency instead of doing what he is doing now?" a person close to Witkoff told reporters.
Waltz to step down
On May 1, CBS News reported, citing sources, that Mike Waltz will step down from his role as the US President’s National Security Advisor. His deputy, Alex Wong, will also step down from his position.
They are expected to leave their posts within the day. The White House has declined to comment on these reports.
It’s worth noting that Waltz was recently involved in a scandal - he mistakenly added The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, to a secret Signal chat where US strikes on Yemen were discussed.
