Rubio Proposes Major Overhaul of National Security Council: What Changes Are Coming?
In a significant shift towards a streamlined national security framework, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has taken on the additional role of national security adviser, plans to drastically reduce the size of the National Security Council (NSC). Sources familiar with the initiative shared that this restructuring aims to align operations more closely with President Donald Trump’s top-down decision-making approach.
The NSC’s staff, which has fluctuated under various administrations, currently comprises about 150 personnel, reduced from 300 when Trump assumed office. Plans indicate a potential further reduction to 50-60 staff members; however, no final decision has been made. Rather than laying off current employees, Rubio intends to reassign them across government agencies, particularly to the State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency.
This restructuring follows a review of NSC salaries and duties, identifying redundancies and aiming to increase efficiency within national security operations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised Rubio’s dual role, highlighting a focus on optimized coordination with external agencies. The expected changes come after Trump’s dismissal of former national security adviser Mike Waltz for not aligning with the administration’s preferred operational model. Rubio is likely to remain in this advisory role for at least six months, with a permanent successor potentially named by summer.
FAQ Section
1. Who is leading the restructuring of the National Security Council?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is undertaking the restructuring, serving also as the national security adviser.
2. What is the expected staff size of the National Security Council after the changes?
The staff may decrease to 50-60 members, down from the current 150.
3. Will current NSC employees be laid off due to the staff reductions?
No, the plan involves reassigning existing staff to other government agencies rather than dismissals.
4. What are the goals of the NSC restructuring?
The restructuring aims to enhance efficiency and streamline decision-making aligned with President Trump’s approach to national security.
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