U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly fired several dozen staff members from the National Security Council (NSC) at the White House.
On the 23rd (local time), Reuters reported, citing five sources, that "dozens of staff members responsible for most major geopolitical issues from Ukraine to Kashmir were fired this afternoon." The sources requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak with the media, Reuters reported.
They expected that the administration's goal is to reduce the NSC's headcount to dozens, ultimately bringing it down to about 50.
The NSC is the main body through which the president coordinates national security strategy. NSC staff make critical decisions regarding the U.S. approach to unstable conflict issues and play a key role in security.
During former President Joe Biden's administration, the size of the NSC was reported to be over 300. However, since President Trump took office in January this year, the headcount has been reduced to less than half.
Conservative figures have been reported to advocate for the reduction of the NSC, asserting that several positions within the NSC overlap with functions of other government departments. On the other hand, Democratic figures and some Republicans have expressed concerns that reducing the NSC may result in insufficient expert advice on Trump administration policies.
Reuters reported, "The NSC has been in disarray in recent hours," and noted that "departing staff members were in tears." Sources indicated that some of those fired may be reassigned to other government departments.
Reuters reported that some departments under the NSC are expected to be consolidated or completely abolished. Departments overseeing African issues or multilateral organizations like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are likely to have their independent operations discontinued.
Reuters reported that "the NSC will transform into a smaller organization that focuses more on execution rather than policy formulation," adding that "such changes will empower the Department of State, the Ministry of National Defense, and departments related to foreign affairs, national security, and intelligence."