Trump campaign CEO Stephen Bannon, the former chairman of Breitbart News. Image by Getty Images

President Trump on Wednesday yanked his chief strategist, Steve Bannon, off the National Security Council in a possible victory for rival aide Jared Kushner.

Bannon’s removal from the NSC, which includes senior members of Trump’s foreign policy team, was seen by some as a boost to national security adviser H.R. McMaster, who officials said has struggled to work together with Bannon.

It also might signal that moderates within the administration, including Kushner and chief of staff Reince Preibus, may be making headway in sidelining the former Breitbart News head and unapologetic white nationalist.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Because he is a political adviser with no experience handling sensitive matters like foreign intelligence and threats to the homeland, Bannon’s appointment as a principal to the NSC rankled within the national security establishment when it was announced in January. While Bannon was elevated to a principal, the attendance of of the head of national intelligence and the military’s joint chiefs of staff chairman was changed to optional.

The White House at the time defended its move, asserting that Bannon’s service in the Navy and familiarity with “geopolitical affairs” qualified him for the position.—With Reuters

Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount