Trump Praises Hegseth, Omits Waltz in National Day of Prayer Speech/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump publicly praised key Cabinet members during a Rose Garden address but notably left out National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who is reportedly on his way out. Democrats blasted the decision, arguing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—who also mishandled military communications—should be removed instead. Meanwhile, possible interim replacements for Waltz are already being discussed, including Marco Rubio.
Trump Praises Hegseth, Omits Waltz Amid Exit Reports: Quick Looks
- Trump lauded Hegseth, Bondi, Rubio, and others in Rose Garden remarks
- Omitted Mike Waltz, reportedly exiting as national security adviser
- Both Waltz and Hegseth involved in Signal app military leak
- Democrats say Hegseth should be fired, not Waltz
- GOP senator supports Trump’s decision, dismisses Signal fallout
- Marco Rubio floated as interim NSA replacement
- Special envoy Steve Witkoff also considered but reluctant to accept
- No formal decision announced on Waltz’s successor
Deep Look: Trump Backs Cabinet in Rose Garden, But Leaves Out Waltz as Departure Nears
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump opened a National Day of Prayer address in the Rose Garden Thursday by praising members of his Cabinet—but notably omitted National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who is widely expected to exit the administration following fallout from the Signal chat leak.
Trump gave an enthusiastic nod to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him “fantastic,” as well as to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, saying of Rubio:
“Marco, when I have a problem, I call up Marco. He gets it solved.”
Waltz, however, received no mention, even as reports of his imminent departure dominate political headlines. His silence on Waltz stood out, particularly because both Waltz and Hegseth were central figures in the now-infamous Signal chat incident that shared sensitive military planning information—some of which reached a journalist inadvertently.
Democrats Demand Accountability for Hegseth
Democrats on Capitol Hill blasted the Trump administration for what they see as punishing the wrong official. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) called the move “misguided,” saying Hegseth’s actions were “the most troubling part” of the scandal.
“They’re holding the wrong guy accountable,” Kelly said, referencing Hegseth’s disclosure of strike plans from an aircraft carrier. “That’s where the accountability should be.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) agreed, arguing that Hegseth—not Waltz—should face dismissal:
“There has to be accountability… but I think the secretary of defense ought to bear that responsibility. He should be fired.”
GOP Support for Trump, Shrugs Off Signal Scandal
On the Republican side, Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) offered full support for Trump’s decision and expressed fatigue with the ongoing focus on the messaging leak.
“I’m frankly tired of hearing about Signal,” Sheehy said, pivoting to praise the administration’s military deployments and anti-terror efforts.
Replacement Talks Already Underway
As Waltz’s departure becomes more certain, sources say Marco Rubio and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau are among the names floated as interim replacements for national security adviser. Both are considered experienced and close to the president.
However, a familiar name has also emerged in the conversation: Steve Witkoff, a Trump confidant and real estate developer who currently serves as a special envoy on international negotiations with Russia and Iran.
Two sources close to Witkoff told CNN that he is reluctant to take the job, saying he prefers his current role managing foreign policy initiatives directly with the president.
“Why would he do that? Be saddled with managing the interagency instead of doing what he is doing now?” said one person familiar with his thinking.
Still, those sources acknowledged that if Trump asked directly, Witkoff might reconsider.
What’s Next
Waltz’s official departure has yet to be confirmed publicly. The fallout from the Signal chat continues to shape perceptions of the Trump administration’s national security team, raising questions about loyalty, oversight, and the line between operational error and negligence.
While Trump doubles down on loyalty to key Cabinet members, criticism from both parties underscores divisions over who bears responsibility for security breaches inside the administration.
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