Another White House Resignation Shocks Trump

White House deputy national security adviser Andy Baker is expected to leave the Trump administration in the coming weeks, marking a significant change for a White House official who has played a central role in foreign policy and national security decisions.

Baker has also served as Vice President JD Vance’s national security adviser and was closely involved in some of the administration’s most important foreign policy matters during the past 18 months. His responsibilities included participating in negotiations with Iran earlier this year.

The administration is not expected to make major changes to its current national security structure following Baker’s departure. Cliff Sims, who took over as Vance’s national security adviser earlier this summer, will remain in that position, while Mike Needham will continue serving as White House deputy national security adviser.

Baker described his time in the administration as an extraordinary experience and said he was proud of what the team had accomplished. He also expressed gratitude toward President Donald Trump, Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Before joining Vance’s team, Baker worked as a foreign service officer at the State Department. He later became a national security adviser to then-Sen. Vance, eventually following him into the White House.

People familiar with Baker’s plans said he wants to spend more time with his family. He reportedly remained in his position longer than originally intended to help ensure a smooth transition to Sims and Needham.

His departure is not expected to mark the end of his work in national security. Baker is reportedly preparing to move into the private sector, where he is expected to work with Robert O’Brien, who served as Trump’s fourth national security adviser during the president’s first term.

Baker’s departure has drawn strong praise from senior administration officials who worked closely with him.

Vance described Baker as a highly talented and thoughtful adviser who served both him and Trump with distinction. The vice president also credited Baker with being an important part of the administration’s national security operation and praised the counsel he provided over more than three years.

Rubio similarly called Baker an important member of the president’s national security team and said he had made significant contributions to Trump’s America First foreign policy agenda.

Needham praised Baker as a brilliant foreign policy strategist and close friend, while Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff credited him with working tirelessly to advance the president’s priorities and negotiate deals around the world.

Baker’s departure comes as the administration continues dealing with major foreign policy challenges, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran. His experience in the administration’s national security operation and direct involvement in negotiations could make his move to the private sector worth watching as the White House continues shaping its foreign policy strategy.