The man who has been referred to as President Trump's brain, Stephen Bannon, had his wings clipped on Wednesday when it was announced he was unceremoniously removed from the National Security Council's (NSC) cabinet-level “principals committee” according to a New York Times report. The appointment to the slot was controversial from the beginning and was viewed as unprecedented with a political operative serving in the slot. The move also saw a downgrade of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the director of the national intelligence agency, a move widely panned.
Of late, Stephen Bannon, the former CEO of Breitbart, has not been as visible in White House public events and pool sprays. He is said to have lost some of the confidence of President Trump in light of embarrassing defeats on immigration and health care political battles. Mr. Bannon was said to have been so upset about his removal that he threatened to quit.
Stephen Bannon denies he threatened to quit
According to the NYT, Bannon’s camp denied the resignation threat and was said to have spent the day spreading the word that the removal was "a natural evolution" and not a sign of diminishment. Another rationale given was that Mr. Bannon was to keep an eye on former NSC Adviser Gen. Michael Flynn and that reason has now been removed.
Trump removed Steve Bannon from a top National Security Council post, a move driven by his national security adviser https://t.co/J9BX2ezGPF
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 5, 2017
According to the NYT, Bannon’s camp denied the resignation threat and was said to have spent the day spreading the word that the removal was "a natural evolution" and not a sign of diminishment.
Another rationale given was that Mr. Bannon was to keep an eye on former NSC Adviser Gen. Michael Flynn and that reason has now been removed. The whispers from the Bannon camp say he has maintained his high-security clearance, however.
Bannon makes a confusing and unclear statement about 'operationalizing' the N.S.C.
In a statement, Mr.
Bannon said that former N.S.C. Adviser Susan Rice had "operationalized" the inter-agency at the White House and it was his job was to "de-operationalize" the N.S.C. to its "proper function." It was unclear what was meant by "operationalized" and how he would correct it.
White House aides are taking shots at him. He has been at odds with Gary Cohn, an ally of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. His wife, Ivanka Trump, are considered the two most powerful people in influencing Trump in the White House and Bannon's presence is wearing thin considering the high-profile failures thus far.
Steve Bannon’s role is diminished as other advisers blame him for setbacks https://t.co/Q0qw5koDpd
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 6, 2017
The NSC has been in existence since the Truman administration.
The Council advises and assists the president on matters of national security and foreign policies. The Council also serves as the principal arm for coordinating foreign policies among the various agencies of government. It has been traditionally non-political and focused on national security.