There were a few changes made to the National Security Council when Donald Trump reorganized it on Wednesday, but the most notable was the removal of Steve Bannon as his chief strategist. As chief strategist, a position introduced by Trump in December, Bannon worked to execute the administration’s long-term agenda and provide counsel to Trump on all critical matters.
Bannon faced major scrutiny from all sides about his high position in the administration, many upset because they felt that he was not qualified. Before being counselor to the president, he was the executive chair of Breitbart, a right-wing website infamous for its headlines such as “Gay Rights Have Made Us Dumber, It’s Time to Get Back in the Closet” and “Why Equality And Diversity Departments Should Only Hire Rich, Straight White Men”. His controversial website and personal agenda combined with not having any national security experience made him unfit in the eyes of people. Even more controversial were accusations that Bannon was the brains behind the January executive order/travel ban, which shut down refugee admissions and closed America’s borders to people from seven largely Muslim countries.
Bannon’s departure follows the departure of others with senior ranking in the White House. Deputy chief of staff Katie Walsh left her post last week, and former national security advisor Micheal Flynn was fired after it was revealed that he misled Vice President Pence about his contacts with the Russian ambassador.
*Note: to clarify, Bannon was removed from the National Security Council principles committee; he still attends the National Security Council meetings.
