Michael Needham Named Deputy National Security Adviser

Michael Needham, currently State Department counselor, will become assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser, Axios reported on May 26, 2026. Needham previously served as chief of staff in Rubio’s Senate office for six years and as chief executive officer of Heritage Action for America.

He has held the counselor position since January 2025 and became director of the Secretary’s Policy Planning Staff in September 2025.

Needham replaces Robert Gabriel in the deputy national security adviser post. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles described Gabriel last week as a trusted confidant. Needham participated in Rubio’s recent effort to convene direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, the first in decades, Reuters reported.

Needham’s move will trigger several shifts at the State Department. Dan Holler, Rubio’s chief of staff, will succeed Needham as counselor and acting director of policy planning. Matt Rhodes, currently chief of staff to the counselor, will replace Holler.

A senior administration official told Axios that Needham maintains ties with Vice President JD Vance’s team and that “Everyone likes Mike. He gets the policy. He gets the politics.