Official announcements or credible news reports

Trump Administration Sidelines 160 NSC Staffers to Align with 'America First' Agenda

Jan 22, 2025, 07:38 PM

President Donald Trump's administration has initiated a significant restructuring of the National Security Council (NSC), sidelining approximately 160 career government employees, known as detailees, who were temporarily assigned to the NSC. These employees, drawn from agencies such as the State Department, FBI, and CIA, have been instructed to work from home while the administration conducts a review to align the NSC with Trump's agenda. The move, led by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, aims to ensure that the NSC is staffed by individuals committed to implementing Trump's 'America First' agenda. Waltz had previously indicated intentions to replace these detailees with new staff more aligned with the president's vision. The review is part of a broader effort to create a more efficient and flatter NSC structure, with some detailees already being sent back to their home agencies. This action has raised concerns about the potential loss of expertise and institutional knowledge at a time when the U.S. faces complex foreign policy challenges.