Who will be Trump’s National Security Adviser?

President Donald Trump has removed National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, a frequent target of the “anti-neocon Trumpist” camp. However, Trump softened the blow by nominating Waltz for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Unlike the NSA post, the UN ambassadorship requires Senate confirmation—a process that is expected to be highly contentious due to Waltz’s alleged involvement in the “Signalgate” scandal. Democratic senators, in particular, are likely to subject him to intense scrutiny. Some commentators suggest Trump has effectively thrown Waltz under the bus.

Trump has temporarily handed over the role of National Security Adviser to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This dual role was last seen in the 1970s, when Henry Kissinger, one of the most iconic diplomatic figures in U.S. history, held both positions simultaneously. Since then, no one has taken on that combination of responsibilities—until now.

Trump’s initial appointments of Waltz as NSA and Rubio as Secretary of State were well-received by mainstream hawks on both sides of the aisle. These two figures were seen as the “adults in the room,” a term that originated during Trump’s first term in office. Back then, Trump placed key establishment Republicans—known for upholding the traditional U.S. foreign policy consensus—into top posts like Defense Secretary, Secretary of State, NSA, and White House Chief of Staff. The hope was that these “adults” would keep Trump from crossing institutional red lines, particularly in foreign affairs.

Still, tensions ran high between Trump and these so-called adults. Most left before completing their terms, either by resigning or being fired, resulting in a chaotic first term. In Trump’s second term, internal rivalries continue. Around the long Trump table, insiders say allies are jostling under the surface—sometimes literally kicking each other under the table.

Waltz’s removal marks the first major rupture within the current Trump coalition. Those upset by his ousting have shifted their criticism toward Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Many GOP senators reluctantly confirmed both, reportedly under pressure from Vice President J.D. Vance.

According to insider reporting, several names are being floated for the next NSA, including Robert O’Brien, Stephen Miller, Sebastian Gorka, Richard Grenell, Michael Anton, Steve Witkoff, Fred Fleitz, and Keith Kellogg. Miller, currently Trump’s Homeland Security Adviser, is known as the architect of Trump’s immigration policies since 2016. Gorka, Trump’s former strategic adviser, now directs counterterrorism efforts on the National Security Council. Kellogg, Anton, and Fleitz all held senior NSC roles during Trump’s first term, with Kellogg briefly serving as acting NSA. O’Brien was Trump’s final NSA before leaving office.

The NSA is a key position, often considered one of the closest to the president’s ear. Controlling it is crucial for those aiming to influence Trump’s policy direction. Trump will likely choose someone he fully trusts—especially in terms of personal loyalty. In fact, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back from Florida on Sunday, Trump specifically highlighted Stephen Miller. Miller has a long-standing reputation for unwavering loyalty to Trump.

Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance and media personality Tucker Carlson—both influential voices in Trump’s orbit—are said to favor Michael Anton for the role. All three men are prominent figures in the New Right or “national conservative” movement. Anton is best known for giving Trump’s “America First” message a coherent ideological framework. As Director of Policy Planning at the State Department, Anton is also reportedly leading technical discussions with Iran.

Some analysts argue that if Trump is forced to choose between “loyalty” and “doctrine,” he’ll opt for loyalty. After all, Trump has never been one to enjoy being boxed in by ideology. Of course, it’s always possible he’ll surprise everyone by picking someone entirely off the radar.