President Trump takes a swing at the National Security Council — and heads start rolling.
In a plot twist befitting the current political circus, President Donald Trump has reportedly axed several senior officials from the National Security Council (NSC) after a tête-à-tête with far-right provocateur Laura Loomer. Yes, you read that right—the same Laura Loomer known far and wide for her controversial conspiracy theories and multiple social media bans.
The Meeting That (May Have) Sparked a Purge
On April 2, 2025, Laura Loomer — the far-right activist known more for controversy than credentials — managed to land herself a private audience with President Donald Trump inside the Oval Office. She came armed with what she called “research findings,” targeting members of the National Security Council she purportedly claimed weren’t loyal enough to the MAGA cause. That phrase alone — not loyal enough — says plenty about where things are headed.
Alongside Trump were key players in his inner circle: National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Representative Scott Perry, though Perry was reportedly there to talk about unrelated matters. Loomer didn’t waste time. According to multiple sources, she pulled out a list of around twelve names, accusing NSC officials of being closet “Never Trumpers” and effectively demanding their heads.
The fallout came quickly. Three senior NSC staffers are out — Brian Walsh, Senior Director for Intelligence Programs; Thomas Boodry, Legislative Affairs Director; and David Feith, Senior Director for Technology. Trump has downplayed the idea that Loomer had anything to do with the firings, but it’s hard to ignore the overlap between her list and who got shown the door. Whether she swung the axe herself or simply handed Trump the tool is a matter of interpretation.
Check out the video below. I stopped it one minute into the clip when a reporter asked President Trump straight out, “Did she have anything to do with NSC aides who were ousted?” The President replied, “No, no not at all.” Pretty cut and dried if you ask me. Not much ambiguity there.
Loomer, for her part, was happy to take the credit. She called the meeting an “honor” and framed the firings as proof that her warnings about internal disloyalty were taken seriously. On social media, she described her mission as one of “strong vetting” to safeguard national security — which, coming from someone with no formal background in governance, is quite the leap.
To many outside Trump’s political orbit, this was an eyebrow-raiser. Loomer’s history is well-documented: banned from multiple platforms for promoting conspiracy theories, a self-styled political firebrand who’s made a name hurling accusations more than building policy. But within Trump’s circle, she’s gained credibility — or at least enough influence to walk into the White House with a list of names and walk out with a victory lap.
In a plot twist befitting the current political circus, President Donald Trump has reportedly axed several senior officials from the National Security Council (NSC) after a tête-à-tête with far-right provocateur Laura Loomer. Yes, you read that right—the same Laura Loomer known far and wide for her controversial conspiracy theories and multiple social media bans.
The Meeting That (May Have) Sparked a Purge
On April 2, 2025, Laura Loomer — the far-right activist known more for controversy than credentials — managed to land herself a private audience with President Donald Trump inside the Oval Office. She came armed with what she called “research findings,” targeting members of the National Security Council she purportedly claimed weren’t loyal enough to the MAGA cause. That phrase alone — not loyal enough — says plenty about where things are headed.
Alongside Trump were key players in his inner circle: National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Representative Scott Perry, though Perry was reportedly there to talk about unrelated matters. Loomer didn’t waste time. According to multiple sources, she pulled out a list of around twelve names, accusing NSC officials of being closet “Never Trumpers” and effectively demanding their heads.
The fallout came quickly. Three senior NSC staffers are out — Brian Walsh, Senior Director for Intelligence Programs; Thomas Boodry, Legislative Affairs Director; and David Feith, Senior Director for Technology. Trump has downplayed the idea that Loomer had anything to do with the firings, but it’s hard to ignore the overlap between her list and who got shown the door. Whether she swung the axe herself or simply handed Trump the tool is a matter of interpretation.
Check out the video below. I stopped it one minute into the clip when a reporter asked President Trump straight out, “Did she have anything to do with NSC aides who were ousted?” The President replied, “No, no not at all.” Pretty cut and dried if you ask me. Not much ambiguity there.
Loomer, for her part, was happy to take the credit. She called the meeting an “honor” and framed the firings as proof that her warnings about internal disloyalty were taken seriously. On social media, she described her mission as one of “strong vetting” to safeguard national security — which, coming from someone with no formal background in governance, is quite the leap.
To many outside Trump’s political orbit, this was an eyebrow-raiser. Loomer’s history is well-documented: banned from multiple platforms for promoting conspiracy theories, a self-styled political firebrand who’s made a name hurling accusations more than building policy. But within Trump’s circle, she’s gained credibility — or at least enough influence to walk into the White House with a list of names and walk out with a victory lap.
This whole episode paints a clear picture of the current dynamics at play. There is more to it than qualifications and performance.It’s about allegiance. The administration, in its second term, has taken a scorched-earth approach to anyone suspected of ideological drift — and that means people with years of national security experience are getting tossed aside if they don’t pass the loyalty test.
Mike Waltz, who’s supposed to be the steady hand guiding NSC operations, now finds himself walking a tightrope. Waltz used to be my Congressman down here in Florida’s 6th Congressional District. As a congressman, he was viewed as an affable, easy-to-get-along-with-family guy who often had a smile on his face. Now, every time I see him on TV, it looks like someone pissed in his Wheaties. He looks miserable. My guess is that he’s not loving the new job, especially after the whole Signal debacle.
What this points to— beyond the spectacle — is a troubling shift. When someone like Loomer can successfully influence staffing decisions at the highest levels of national security, it calls into questionwho’sreally steering the ship. Whether or not you agree with Trump’s policies, the mechanics of decision-making are starting to look a lot like a reality TV show.
In short, if you want to stay in this administration’s good graces, policy chops, and experience aren’t enough. You’d better bring a MAGA hat and a spotless loyalty record.
Heads Rolling at the NSC
Among the recently departed:
Brian Walsh: Served as Senior Director for Intelligence Programs at the National Security Council and was previously a senior aide to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Thomas Boodry: Was the Legislative Affairs Director at the NSC and had previously worked as a legislative director for Congressman Michael Waltz and as an aide to Senator Marco Rubio, focusing on homeland security and veterans affairs.
David Feith: Served as Senior Director for Technology and National Security at the NSC and was formerly a U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs during Trump’s first term.
Loomer’s influence didn’t stop there. She also took aim at Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong and Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy, casting aspersions on their loyalty. Wong, a respected China expert, was dubbed the “Chinese national security adviser” by Loomer, while Kanapathy’s past employment history was used to question his allegiance.
National Security Advisor Waltz is under the microscope.
The Broader Implications
This episode draws attention to a troubling trend: the blurring of lines between professional governance and fringe activism. When national security decisions are influenced by individuals known more for their Facebook and IG bans than their policy expertise, it’s time to question the direction in which the ship of state is sailing.
As the dust settles, one can only hope that the administration will prioritize competence and experience over loyalty tests administered by conspiracy theorists.
The stakes are simply too high to do otherwise.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Guy D. McCardle is a sixteen-year veteran of the United States Army and most recently served as a Medical Operations Officer during OIF I and OIF II. He holds a degree in Biology from Washington & Jefferson College and is a graduate of the US Army Academy of Health Sciences. Guy has been a contributing writer to Apple News, Business Insider, International Business Times, and
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