Steve Witkoff Reportedly Floated As Candidate To Be Next National Security Adviser a Day After Scathing Piece

Trump Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement of Mike Waltz as national security adviser, journalist Mark Halperin reported on Thursday.

The discussion takes place as Waltz's departure has not been officially announced. Halperin said "unhappiness" with his performance has "been growing at State, Treasury, NEC, West Wing, and elsewhere."

Witkoff made headlines on Wednesday following a scathing New York Post piece, which quoted Trump allies and insiders saying he is not prepared to be leading high-stakes negotiations.

One official called him a "nice guy, but a bumbling f***ing idiot." The report cites recent episodes to back the claims of his critics, including a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which he greeted him warmly. It added that he also leaned on Kremlin translators on occasions, a break with diplomatic procedure.

Officials also noted that Witkoff was not seemingly joined by advisors and experts typically present in such occasions. Ukrainian officials say Witkoff has become a conduit for Russian narratives, undermining U.S. credibility and complicating peace efforts.

Waltz also came under heavy scrutiny after inadvertently adding a journalist to a Signal chat where highly sensitive information related to an upcoming attack on Yemen's Houthi rebels was discussed.

President Donald Trump has defended Waltz throughout the backlash over the security risks and for discussing sensitive information over the app. It is not yet clear if Waltz is leaving his post as a result of the incident.