US NSA Mike Waltz resigns amid Yemen air strikes scandal, says report

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and his deputy, Alex Wong, have reportedly resigned weeks after a scandal involving a leaked Signal group chat that exposed classified plans for air strikes in Yemen, news agency AFP reported on May 1, 2025.The controversy came to light after The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg disclosed on March 24 that he was mistakenly added to the encrypted group chat by Waltz himself.

Mike Waltz’s ‘Signal-gate’
The chat reportedly included sensitive details such as precise strike targets, weapon systems to be used, and planned timings—leaked just hours before US military operations on March 15 targeting Houthi militants in Yemen.
According to Yemen’s Houthi-run health ministry, the air strikes resulted in the death of 53 individuals, sparking global outrage and serious diplomatic concerns.However, the incident raised concerns over the use of unsecure communication channels for sensitive operations, with experts citing potential violations of the Espionage Act.

Who will replace Mike Waltz?

The White House has not issued an official statement on the resignations or announced potential replacements for the key national security roles so far.

However, a report on CNN said that special envoy Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and friend of President Donald Trump, is under consideration to replace Waltz as national security adviser, although no decision has been made.

Witkoff has led discussions with Russia and Iran as Trump looks for international deals, the CNN report added.