By Marco Rubio is a really busy man. Currently serving as Secretary of State, the former Florida senator will be temporarily taking on the role of national security adviser, President Donald Trump announced Thursday, following the sudden reassignment of Mike Waltz after a major communications mishap, according to multiple reports.
The shake-up, disclosed via Trump’s Truth Social account, represents a significant reshuffling of the administration’s national security apparatus. Waltz—previously a key player in Trump’s second-term foreign policy team—was removed after reportedly inviting journalist Jeffrey Goldberg into a private Signal chat where senior officials were discussing upcoming airstrikes in Yemen. Goldberg later published a detailed account of the incident in The Atlantic, drawing sharp criticism of the administration’s internal security practices.
Although Trump initially dismissed the breach, calling it a “nothingburger,” he ultimately reassigned Waltz to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations—a move seen as both a demotion and a face-saving maneuver. “I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations,” Trump posted, adding that Rubio would step in as acting national security adviser “while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department.”
Rubio, who was a well-liked senator for over a decade before being confirmed as Secretary of State earlier this year, has long been a prominent figure in Republican foreign policy circles. Known for his hawkish stance on global threats and vocal support for democracy movements, he has consistently aligned himself with Trump’s “America First” vision, particularly with regard to Iran, China, and Latin America.
His appointment consolidates significant foreign policy power in a single Cabinet official—an unusual concentration of authority that is likely to prompt questions on Capitol Hill. As Secretary of State and acting national security adviser, Rubio now occupies a uniquely influential position, overseeing both diplomatic outreach and defense strategy during a time of growing instability in the Middle East.
Waltz, a former Green Beret and congressman from Florida, issued a brief statement expressing gratitude for the new assignment: “I am deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation at the United Nations.”
I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation. pic.twitter.com/FFTPjnIYkI
— Mike Waltz (@MikeWaltz47) May 1, 2025
The White House has not specified how long Rubio will hold both posts, nor whether a permanent replacement for Waltz will be named in the near future. Rubio is now simultaneously serving as acting national security adviser, acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and acting archivist of the United States.
The triple appointment reflects President Trump’s increasing reliance on Rubio as a central figure in both foreign and domestic policy, entrusting him with oversight of national security strategy, international aid distribution, and federal records management. President Trump has framed the arrangement as a testament to Rubio’s competence and loyalty.
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