Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed a major restructuring of the National Security Council to align with President Trump’s America First vision, signaling one of the administration’s first significant overhauls of the federal security apparatus.
At a Glance
- The Trump administration is “right-sizing” the National Security Council (NSC), with reports indicating dozens of staffers being returned to their home agencies
- Secretary Rubio is temporarily serving in a dual role as both Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, similar to Henry Kissinger’s position in the 1970s
- The restructuring aims to better align the NSC with its original purpose from 1947 and support President Trump’s foreign policy vision
- Reports suggest the NSC staff may be reduced from approximately 300 to around 150 personnel
- The White House has not officially announced specific staffing changes or a timeline for the restructuring’s completion
Streamlining National Security Operations
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has officially confirmed that the Trump administration is implementing significant changes to the National Security Council (NSC), a move described as “right-sizing” the organization. The restructuring will send numerous staff members back to their originating agencies, including the Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence services. While the exact number has not been officially confirmed, multiple reports suggest dozens of NSC staffers have already been dismissed or reassigned as part of this initiative.
“The right-sizing of the NSC is in line with its original purpose and the president’s vision,” Rubio told Axios in a statement on May 23. “The NSC will now be better positioned to collaborate with agencies.”
The NSC was established in 1947 to coordinate national security policy across government departments and provide coherent security recommendations to the president. Over time, the council has grown substantially, with staffing levels fluctuating between 200-300 personnel under recent administrations. The current restructuring appears aimed at returning the NSC to a more streamlined operation that directly supports the president’s policy objectives.
Rubio’s Dual Role in National Security Leadership
In an unusual arrangement reminiscent of the Nixon administration, Secretary Rubio is currently serving in a dual capacity as both Secretary of State and National Security Adviser. This arrangement mirrors the dual role Henry Kissinger held in the 1970s, giving Rubio significant influence over both the implementation and development of foreign policy. The White House has not announced when a permanent national security adviser might be appointed, suggesting this arrangement could continue for some time.
The restructuring comes as part of the administration’s broader efforts to implement President Trump’s America First agenda. During the transition period, Brian McCormack, Chief of Staff to the National Security Adviser, addressed staff members about the incoming changes.
“As anyone who has had the privilege of working here in the White House knows, it’s a tremendous honor to support the executive office of the President and the presidency itself,” McCormack said. “We also know that every president is entitled to have a staff and the advisers that they need to implement the goals that the American people elected him to pursue.”
Implementation and Timeline
While the administration has confirmed the restructuring is underway, specific details about staffing changes and implementation timelines remain limited. Reports indicate that certain NSC sections, including those focused on the Middle East, may see particular reductions in personnel. The restructuring appears to be happening swiftly, with some staff members reportedly being given minimal notice before reassignment to their home agencies.
The NSC plays a crucial role in developing and implementing presidential foreign policy directives, serving as the coordinator between various national security departments and agencies. By reducing its size, the Trump administration appears to be centralizing decision-making authority while potentially streamlining communications between the White House and implementing agencies like the State Department and Pentagon.
Broader Changes in National Security Operations
The NSC restructuring comes amid other changes in how the administration manages national security operations and communications. At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has implemented new restrictions for journalists covering military operations, requiring them to be escorted by officials when in the building. This has drawn criticism from media organizations, with the Pentagon Press Association stating the policy “appears to be a direct attack on the freedom of the press and America’s right to know what its military is doing.”
The Trump administration has also involved Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend of the President with a background in real estate rather than diplomacy, in significant foreign policy negotiations. These unconventional arrangements highlight the administration’s willingness to depart from traditional national security structures and processes as it implements its policy agenda. As the restructuring continues, the specific impact on policy development and implementation remains to be seen.
