Second senior White House aide quits in a week amid ongoing departures

Deputy national security adviser Andy Baker confirmed he will depart the Trump administration in the near future, becoming the second top official to resign within a week after Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s exit. Baker, 46, said the move is motivated by a wish to devote more time to his family, echoing Leavitt’s reason of needing to be a better mother to her two young children. While he stayed longer than originally planned to ensure a smooth handover, Cliff Sims will continue as Vice President JD Vance’s national security adviser and Mike Needham will remain the deputy national security adviser.

Senior officials, including Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, lauded Baker’s influence on foreign-policy strategy and his role in Iran negotiations. The resignations add to a series of recent departures from the president’s inner circle as the administration approaches a demanding midterm election cycle.