The Trump administration has been thrown into a whirlwind of political turbulence following the resignation of Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser (NSA), and his replacement by Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate investor turned diplomatic envoy. This shake-up comes after a controversial incident, dubbed the “Signalgate” scandal, in which sensitive military plans were inadvertently shared with a journalist via the encrypted messaging service, Signal. As whispers about the possible successor to Waltz grow louder, it is becoming clear that Witkoff, despite his untraditional background, could play a critical role in shaping the future of U.S. foreign policy and national security.
The ‘Signalgate’ Controversy and Waltz’s Departure
Mike Waltz’s tenure as the National Security Adviser has been plagued by controversies, but none more severe than the ‘Signalgate’ incident. The scandal erupted when a Signal group chat, created to discuss sensitive military operations, mistakenly included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. The content of the chat, which contained confidential information about military strategies and plans in Yemen, was quickly leaked to the press, leading to widespread outrage and public scrutiny.
Waltz, a former U.S. Army Green Beret, had been a strong proponent of hardline policies toward hostile nations like Iran and North Korea. However, the fallout from the ‘Signalgate’ incident has cast doubt on his ability to effectively manage U.S. national security affairs. Despite initially downplaying the severity of the breach, it became clear that Waltz’s involvement in the creation of the Signal chat group had violated established protocols. This violation has now forced his resignation, as the Trump administration looks to mitigate the damage caused by this security lapse.
Reports have indicated that while Waltz did not intentionally leak the information, the situation was a direct result of his poor judgment in creating the chat group. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, initially implicated in the affair for his role in sharing military details, eventually cleared his name, placing full blame on Waltz. As a result, Waltz’s resignation seems imminent, and his departure has triggered speculation about his replacement.
Steve Witkoff: A Business Tycoon Turned Diplomat
As the political chess game unfolds, all eyes are on Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate mogul with little to no background in traditional diplomacy. His emergence as the potential successor to Waltz has raised eyebrows across both political and foreign policy circles. Witkoff, however, is no stranger to the halls of power in Washington. His deep ties to President Trump, cultivated over years of business dealings, have positioned him as a trusted figure within the administration.
Witkoff’s path to national security is unorthodox. Before becoming a prominent figure in the real estate world, he was best known for his business acumen, leading his company, Witkoff Group, to significant acquisitions in the hospitality and residential sectors. His wealth and influence allowed him access to the highest levels of government and international politics. But it was his involvement in diplomacy that brought him to the center of the current political storm.
In early 2025, President Trump appointed Witkoff as the Special Envoy to the Middle East. His role primarily involved facilitating complex negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and more controversially, brokering a prisoner exchange with the Russian government. Witkoff’s untraditional methods of diplomacy, marked by informal meetings with foreign leaders and direct phone calls to world leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin, have drawn praise from some corners while raising red flags in others.
Witkoff’s Diplomatic Footprint
While Witkoff’s real estate experience certainly makes him an expert in negotiations, his methods in the diplomatic arena have been criticized by some for their lack of formality. His direct involvement in sensitive discussions, particularly with adversaries like Russia, has raised concerns among U.S. allies. For instance, his unmediated meetings with Putin, which occurred without official translators, have been perceived as a potential security risk. There have been growing concerns that such unstructured diplomatic engagements could result in misinterpretations or, worse, the inadvertent leaking of state secrets.
Furthermore, Witkoff’s comments on Russia and Putin have fueled fears that his loyalties might not align with U.S. interests. In a recent interview, Witkoff praised Putin’s leadership style, which some analysts interpreted as an endorsement of the Russian president’s tactics and global vision. These remarks have cast a shadow over his fitness for the role of NSA, where the U.S. must strike a delicate balance between diplomacy and national defense.
Despite these controversies, there are those who believe Witkoff’s unconventional approach could bring fresh insights into the U.S. security apparatus. His business background, they argue, could help modernize the way Washington approaches both foreign policy and national security issues. Supporters of his potential appointment highlight his quick thinking and ability to make high-stakes decisions in a fast-paced environment, which they believe could translate well into the fast-moving world of national security.
The Trump Administration’s Strategic Shift: Loyalty Over Experience
The prospect of Witkoff assuming the role of NSA also raises important questions about the Trump administration’s overall approach to foreign policy and national security. In recent years, President Trump has demonstrated a preference for appointing individuals who are loyal to him personally rather than those with extensive experience in traditional diplomacy or military affairs. This approach has created a series of shake-ups within the administration, with individuals like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former National Security Adviser John Bolton both leaving under controversial circumstances.
For many, the appointment of Witkoff would be the ultimate example of this loyalty-driven strategy. Critics argue that placing a businessman with limited foreign policy experience at the helm of national security could undermine the effectiveness of the administration’s policies. They argue that national security decisions, which often involve complex alliances, intelligence assessments, and high-level negotiations, require more than just business savvy; they demand deep expertise in global geopolitics.
However, supporters of Witkoff’s potential appointment contend that his fresh perspective could bring much-needed innovation to U.S. national security strategy. Given the evolving nature of international conflicts—ranging from cyber warfare to economic sanctions—there is a growing argument that new approaches are needed. Some believe Witkoff could offer a break from traditional military-focused strategies, favoring economic and technological measures to counter adversaries.
The Fallout from Waltz’s Resignation and the National Security Landscape
As Waltz prepares to step down, the question of who will take his place has captured the attention of Washington insiders and political commentators alike. Mike Waltz, who had served as the NSA since 2024, was often seen as a staunch advocate for tough military interventions, particularly in the Middle East. His resignation, while necessary in the wake of ‘Signalgate,’ represents a significant loss for the administration in terms of military experience.
With Waltz’s departure, the Trump administration is now faced with the task of finding a replacement who can maintain the balance of power within the White House while ensuring that national security interests are adequately protected. While Witkoff’s lack of formal experience in national security could be seen as a liability, the Trump administration is clearly betting on his ability to innovate and bring a fresh perspective to the job.
Furthermore, with the 2026 presidential elections on the horizon, Trump’s team is under increasing pressure to show a strong, unified front in the area of national security. The appointment of Witkoff could be viewed as a bold move to emphasize the president’s commitment to protecting American interests while also sending a message of continuity within the administration. For better or for worse, the choice of Steve Witkoff as NSA will shape the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy in the years to come.
Potential Challenges for Witkoff as NSA
If Witkoff is confirmed as NSA, he will face immediate and intense challenges. Among these challenges is the ongoing conflict with Iran, which remains one of the most significant threats to U.S. national security. Witkoff’s handling of relations with Iran, as well as his approach to the ongoing military conflicts in Syria and Iraq, will be crucial in determining the success of his tenure. Critics have already pointed to Witkoff’s lack of experience with military strategy, raising doubts about his ability to manage such high-stakes foreign policy issues.
Additionally, Witkoff’s unconventional diplomacy with adversaries like Russia and China will be scrutinized closely by both U.S. allies and lawmakers. The administration’s approach to managing these relationships, particularly in light of ongoing tensions over issues like cyberattacks and trade disputes, will determine whether Witkoff can navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for National Security Under Witkoff
The appointment of Steve Witkoff as National Security Adviser would represent a dramatic shift in how the United States approaches its national security challenges. His unconventional background and business-minded approach could bring both innovation and risks to the administration’s foreign policy and national defense strategies. As the Trump administration grapples with its internal struggles and the complexities of international relations, the future of U.S. national security may rest in the hands of a man whose experience has largely been confined to real estate rather than the world of defense and diplomacy.
With Mike Waltz’s resignation and Witkoff’s potential rise to power, the Trump administration is signaling that it is ready to make bold moves in the realm of national security. The full implications of this shift will only become clear in the coming months, but one thing is certain: Steve Witkoff’s role in U.S. national security will be one to watch closely, as it could shape the direction of American foreign policy for years to come.