Mike Waltz's and Alex Wong's resignations from their national security positions are linked to the "Signalgate" incident involving the sharing of classified information via the Signal app. While Waltz took the fall, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also faces scrutiny for similar actions.
Waltz's departure also highlights ideological differences between him and Trump on foreign policy. Waltz favors a more traditional Republican approach, while Trump prioritizes transactional gains and diplomatic compromises. This divergence is particularly relevant to US negotiations with Iran, where Waltz's skepticism contrasts with Trump's pursuit of a new nuclear agreement.
Possible replacements for Waltz include Steve Witkoff, a close associate of Trump, and Elbridge Colby, who aligns with Trump's focus on China. The choice of successor will likely have significant implications for American security policy. Trump's swift action emphasizes the consequences of embarrassing the administration.