White House appoints Wayne Wall as Middle East NSC chief: Axios
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The National Security Council's leadership shake-up continues as a defense insider replaces a key figure involved in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
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Steve Witkoff is sworn in as special envoy by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House with President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
Wayne Wall has been named the new senior director for Middle East affairs at the National Security Council (NSC), Axios reported, citing a US official and a source familiar with the matter. His appointment follows a sweeping reorganization of the NSC ordered by US President Donald Trump and acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, marking a shift in the administration’s foreign policy apparatus.
Wall assumed the role several days ago and brings a background in defense and intelligence. His most recent position was at the Department of Defense’s intelligence agency. He has also served with the US Central Command, which oversees "military operations" across the Middle East, and previously held positions in the US Army.
Wall replaces Eric Trager, who was removed as part of the sweeping personnel shake-up. Trager's dismissal has raised concerns among administration insiders, as he had played a central role in ceasefire and captive negotiations involving Gaza. He was also reportedly instrumental in coordinating President Trump’s upcoming visit to the region.
Trager had worked closely with Steve Witkoff, the White House's Middle East envoy, on several sensitive diplomatic efforts. His sudden removal is being interpreted by some observers as a sign of shifting priorities within the administration’s approach to the region.
Trump administration signals strategic reorientation
The appointment of Wall marks one of the first major staffing decisions in the restructured NSC under Trump’s current term, as per the report. While the White House has not commented publicly on Wall’s selection, officials have hinted that the reshuffle is intended to streamline foreign policy operations and consolidate influence around new leadership at the NSC.
Wall’s military and intelligence background suggests a more operationally focused approach to regional issues, at a time when the administration is managing multiple crises in the Middle East, including developments in Gaza, occupied Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.
The White House declined to issue an official statement regarding Wall’s appointment, the report stressed. NSC sources have offered no further details about the future direction of Middle East policy under Wall’s leadership.
This appointment comes as bloodshed intensifies across the region, with "Israel’s" genocide in Gaza entering its 21st month. The ongoing campaign of relentless bombardment, forced displacement, and starvation tactics against Palestinians has triggered widespread international condemnation of "Israel" and its actions.
Meanwhile, Israeli aggressions have widened to include near-daily strikes on Lebanon and airstrikes on Yemen.
Read more: 'Israel' defies law, approves 22 illegal West Bank settlements
