Trump National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to exit post after Signal chat scandal

US President Donald Trump’s national security adviser and a top aide versed in China policy will leave the administration, American media and an internet personality close to the president said on Thursday.

If confirmed, the departure of National Security Adviser Mike Waltz along with his deputy, Alex Wong, would be the first major shake-up in the White House since the president started his second term some 100 days ago.

It follows a scandal that broke late last month after the editor of The Atlantic magazine was mistakenly added to a chat on the secure platform Signal blamed on Waltz.

The chat, details of which The Atlantic released, included top administration officials discussing attacks by US fighter jets on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Sensitive official communication has traditionally been conducted over ultra-secure government channels. Reports also surfaced that Waltz, a noted China hawk, clashed with other administration officials who advocate a more isolationist approach.

Waltz and Wong were both set to leave, according to CBS News, Reuters and the Associated Press, while Fox News said Trump was expected to comment on the matter soon.