Three National Security Council officials fired by Trump

The Trump administration has fired at least three officials at the National Security Council, with more firings expected, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS News.

It is not clear why the staffers were removed from their roles, but CBS reports the decision followed a meeting between far-right activist Laura Loomer and President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday.

Loomer urged Trump to fire specific NSC employees who she did not deem supportive enough of the president’s agenda, according to several US media reports.

The White House told the BBC that the National Security Council “won’t comment on personnel” matters.
The firings also come as the NSC recovers from a major controversy last month, when senior officials inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal messaging thread about military strikes in Yemen.

It is not clear whether the controversy played a role in the firings. Trump has stood by the officials involved in the incident, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who reportedly added the journalist to the Signal chat accidentally.

Those fired from the NSC on Thursday include Brian Walsh, a director for intelligence; Thomas Boodry, a senior director for legislative affairs; and David Feith, a senior director overseeing technology and national security, according to CBS News.

In a statement to US media, Loomer said she would not divulge any more details on her meeting with Trump “out of respect for President Trump and the privacy of the Oval Office”.

“It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my findings, I will continue working hard to support his agenda, and I will continue reiterating the importance of strong vetting, for the sake of protecting the President and our national security,” she said.

By BBC News