White House Deputy National Security Advisor Andy Baker is set to leave the Trump administration in the coming weeks, Axios reported. Baker, who also served as Vice President JD Vance’s national security adviser, has been among the key officials involved in the administration’s foreign policy and national security decision-making over the past 18 months. He was also personally involved in negotiations with Iran earlier this year.
Cliff Sims, who succeeded Baker as Vance’s national security advisor earlier this summer, will continue in that role, according to Axios. Mike Needham will continue to serve as White House deputy national security adviser.
“This has been an amazing journey. I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved and, of course, am incredibly grateful to the President, Vice President, and Secretary Rubio,” Baker told Axios in a statement.
Karoline Leavitt To Exit White House
This comes days after it was reported that Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary at the end of August. Trump said Leavitt was leaving to spend more time with her young children and family, while also confirming that she would remain a senior voice in his political operation as an outside adviser.
Leavitt, one of Trump’s closest aides and most prominent public defenders, will continue serving as an outside adviser. Trump said she would also remain an influential Republican voice ahead of the midterm elections.
“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections,” he said.
Trump did not immediately announce her successor.