White House NSC Team Halved by 50% Under New Advisor

In a significant restructuring move, Marco Rubio, who recently took over as the acting National Security Advisor, announced a major downsizing of the White House National Security Council (NSC) team. This decision, made on May 23, involved reducing the team's size by half, effectively cutting the number of personnel by 50%. This drastic measure was part of Rubio's strategy to ensure that no one interferes with the president's agenda. The move was accompanied by the appointment of two new deputies to assist in managing the reduced team.

The decision to halve the NSC's workforce was met with mixed reactions. Some saw it as a necessary step to enhance efficiency and focus on key priorities, while others expressed concern about the potential loss of expertise and institutional knowledge. The dismissed employees included those stationed at various national security agencies, indicating a broad scope of the downsizing effort. According to a source, the NSC previously had approximately 395 employees, including around 180 support staff. This downsizing follows an earlier reduction in the NSC's workforce, which had already been cut in half during the Trump administration's first term. The exact number of employees affected by the latest round of layoffs has not been disclosed, but it is reported that over 100 people received notices to stop working.

Rubio's actions are seen as a continuation of the administration's efforts to consolidate power and ensure that the president's directives are executed without obstruction. By reducing the size of the NSC, Rubio aims to create a more agile and responsive team that can quickly adapt to changing circumstances and implement the president's policies effectively. The administration's goal is to streamline the NSC to a few dozen personnel and delegate national security-related powers to other departments. This shift is expected to give the Department of Defense and the State Department more significant roles in advising the president, although the final decisions will ultimately be based on the president's instincts.

The downsizing of the NSC is part of a broader trend within the administration to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy. This move is expected to have significant implications for the functioning of the White House, as the NSC plays a crucial role in coordinating national security policies and strategies. The new structure will likely require the remaining staff to take on additional responsibilities, potentially leading to increased workloads and stress. The administration's goal is to ensure that the NSC aligns closely with the president's agenda, eliminating any potential obstacles to policy implementation.

The decision to appoint two new deputies to the NSC is also noteworthy. These individuals, Andy Becker and Robert Gabriel, will play a key role in supporting Rubio and ensuring that the team remains focused on the president's agenda. Their appointments are seen as a strategic move to bring in fresh perspectives and expertise, which could help in navigating the complex challenges facing the administration. The new deputies are expected to assist in managing the reduced team and ensuring that the NSC's operations remain efficient and effective.

Rubio's decision to halve the NSC's workforce is a bold move that reflects the administration's commitment to efficiency and effectiveness. While the long-term impact of this decision remains to be seen, it is clear that the White House is determined to ensure that the president's agenda is implemented without interference. The new structure of the NSC will likely require significant adjustments, but it also presents an opportunity for the team to become more agile and responsive to the needs of the administration. The administration's goal is to create a more streamlined and efficient NSC that can effectively support the president's policies and initiatives.