White House places over 100 National Security Council staff on administrative leave
The administration of US President Donald Trump has sent more than 100 employees of the National Security Council on administrative leave. About this reportedCNN TV channel.
The move was part of a reform led by interim national security adviser and US secretary of state Marco Rubio. Earlier in the day, National Security Council chief of staff Brian McCormack sent emails to staff telling them they were given 30 minutes to collect their personal belongings.
The letter said that those who are not in the government campus can arrange a convenient time to do so. The list of those sent on leave includes both career employees and political appointees involved during the Trump presidency.
On Thursday, Rubio convened the directors of the National Security Council, prompting speculation that he was preparing for a major reorganization. As early as Friday at 3:45 p.m., a few minutes before the emails were sent, another meeting involving senior directors took place. As part of this reform, employees were re-interviewed by the Presidential Personnel Office. One of the questions concerned the vision of the optimal number of staff of the National Security Council.
The National Security Council, which usually plays a key role in foreign policy coordination, is made up of experts from various government structures. However, under the Trump administration, its influence has significantly diminished, and the ongoing reform may further reduce its importance in the White House decision-making system.
