WSJ What’s News

Trump Ejects National Security Adviser Mike Waltz

Key takeaways

White House Reshuffles National Security Team

President Trump has replaced National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, making him the first top official to exit in Trump's second term. Waltz will be nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as interim National Security Advisor. The move follows reports that Waltz added a journalist to a sensitive Signal group chat discussing Yemen operations. Waltz had reportedly been sidelined from major foreign policy negotiations.

Legal Setback for Immigration Policy

A federal judge in Texas ruled President Trump's use of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to detain and deport alleged foreign gang members is unlawful. The judge, a Trump nominee from his first term, clarified that the government can still detain or deport people under other immigration laws. This represents the first direct judicial ruling against Trump's application of the Alien Enemies Act, with the White House not immediately responding to requests for comment.

Trump's Air Force One Solution

Frustrated with Boeing's delays in delivering new presidential aircraft, Trump has commissioned L3 Harris to refurbish a Qatari luxury Boeing 747 for use as early as fall. The interim solution comes as Boeing's Air Force One replacement project faces billions in cost overruns and potential delivery dates as late as 2035. The move symbolizes Boeing's broader manufacturing and engineering challenges, with Elon Musk tasked with accelerating the original project by potentially reducing requirements.

Corporate Leadership Turnover

CEO departures are occurring at a record pace in 2024, with over 2,200 chief executives leaving their posts among U.S. businesses with at least 25 employees. Public company CEO exits increased by roughly 25% compared to 2023. Meanwhile, potential successors in middle management are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance over career advancement, creating potential leadership pipeline challenges for organizations seeking their next generation of executives.

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