It’s been a chaotic week inside the White House, where dozens of National Security Council (NSC) staffers found themselves abruptly out of a job. Picture this: people who’ve spent years navigating the high-pressure world of national security were given just an hour to grab their belongings and leave. For many, it was a jarring, emotional moment—a stark reminder of how fast things can change in Washington. This massive shake-up, one of the boldest overhauls the NSC has seen in recent memory, is President Trump’s attempt to mold the council into a smaller, fiercely loyal team that’s all about his vision for keeping America strong.

The firings, which started rolling out earlier this week, have left the NSC’s offices feeling like a ghost town. No one’s saying exactly how many people were let go, but the council—once a bustling hub of hundreds of experts—is now running on a skeleton crew. Those in the know say Trump’s goal is to strip away what he sees as bureaucratic clutter and build a team that’s 100% on board with his priorities, like strengthening borders, rethinking trade deals, and standing up to global rivals.

“This is about cutting the noise and getting down to business,” a senior administration official shared, asking to keep their name out of it because of how sensitive this all is. “The president wants a tight-knit group that’s focused on his mission: putting America first, no distractions.” They didn’t spill details on who was let go or how many, but the message was clear—Trump’s looking for speed, loyalty, and results.

The NSC has been a cornerstone of U.S. national security since 1947, pulling together everyone from battle-tested military officers to policy nerds who live and breathe global affairs. It’s the team that helps the president tackle everything from Middle East tensions to cyberattacks and trade spats. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for the council to have a small army of staffers juggling complex issues like North Korea’s nuclear ambitions or climate-driven security risks. Now, with so many desks empty, people are wondering if the NSC can still keep up with a world that never seems to slow down.

The news has sparked a firestorm of reactions. On social media, some folks are cheering Trump on, thrilled to see him shake things up. “He’s draining the swamp and making the NSC work for us again!” one user posted. But others aren’t so sure this is a win. A former NSC staffer, speaking anonymously to The Washington Post, said, “You can’t just gut a team like this and expect everything to run smoothly. We’re talking about people who know how to navigate crises—losing that is a big risk.” It’s a classic clash: loyalty to a vision versus the deep expertise needed to keep the country safe.

What happens now? A smaller NSC could mean faster decisions, free from endless debates and red tape—exactly what Trump’s supporters say he’s aiming for. But it also raises red flags: can a leaner team handle multiple global crises at once, like a flare-up in the South China Sea while hashing out trade deals with Europe? The stakes are high, and the world’s watching.

No one’s sure yet who’ll fill the empty chairs or if the NSC will stay this small for good. Whispers around D.C. suggest Trump might tap close allies—maybe even familiar faces from his campaign—to take on key roles. Social media’s abuzz with theories about recent White House visitors, but nothing’s set in stone.

With big challenges looming—like ongoing talks with North Korea and growing economic tensions—the NSC’s new reality is under the microscope. Can this stripped-down team deliver? The administration’s promising more updates soon, but for now, Americans, and the world, are left wondering what this bold new chapter will bring.