Rubio Places Over 100 NSC Staff on Leave in Major Overhaul Move

---

Full Story

The Trump administration, under interim National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, has placed over 100 National Security Council (NSC) staffers on administrative leave, signaling a major restructuring effort. This action, reported on May 23, 2025, aims to streamline the NSC’s operations. Rubio, also serving as Secretary of State, is leading the effort to align the council with President Trump’s agenda. The move has sparked debate about its impact on national security processes.

The NSC, a key White House body, coordinates foreign policy for the president. Rubio’s overhaul seeks to reduce staff and centralize decision-making authority.

MEDIA REPORTING

See how news sources on all sides are covering this story.

Left 40% | Right 30% | Center 23% | Unrated 7%

The Context

Over 100 staffers received notices to clear their desks within 30 minutes. The abrupt action occurred on a Friday before a holiday weekend.

The restructuring follows the ouster of former NSC head Mike Waltz. Rubio assumed the interim role earlier in May 2025.

Affected staff include both career officials and recent political appointees. Many are being reassigned to their original agencies.

The NSC’s staff size has grown significantly since the Kennedy era. It now employs about 350 full-time personnel.

Rubio aims to shift the NSC’s role from policy recommendation to execution. This aligns with Trump’s preference for top-down governance.

Some support the cuts, believing they curb bureaucratic overreach. Others argue it risks weakening national security expertise.