Trump Receives “Disloyal List” and Launches Massive Purge, Weakening White House National Security Council

On May 23rd local time, multiple sources revealed that the Trump administration carried out a sweeping personnel purge at the White House National Security Council (NSC), aiming to dramatically downsize the agency and tighten political control through “loyalty” requirements.

According to reports from The Washington Post and Reuters, those dismissed include not only career officials assigned to the NSC but also some political appointees. The White House spokesperson has not responded to requests for comment.

The NSC serves as the president’s key body for coordinating national security strategy, typically leading responses to the world’s most sensitive conflicts. This shake-up is viewed as the largest personnel restructuring of Trump’s core team since his return to office in January. On May 1, Trump removed National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and temporarily appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take over.

Since April 1, at least 20 NSC staff members have been dismissed, while the director of the National Security Agency and three senior political appointees at the Pentagon have also been ousted.

Sources say that over a month ago, far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer handed Trump a list of “disloyal NSC personnel” during a White House meeting. Shortly afterward, four senior directors overseeing intelligence, technology, international organizations, and legislative affairs were immediately removed. Two direct sources noted that these veteran officials, who had long worked in conservative policy circles and did not show overt opposition to Trump, were abruptly fired, leaving colleagues shocked. In the weeks that followed, more than 20 additional NSC staffers of various ranks were dismissed without warning.

Several government insiders said the purge has seriously damaged morale in parts of the national security establishment and risks driving away top talent from key positions. As the Trump administration pushes for even stricter “loyalty” standards within the national security system, some roles may become harder to fill with highly qualified security professionals.