Trump Reduced National Security Council Staff Ahead of Iran Conflict

U.S. military action against Iran that began February 28.

The National Security Council was created by Congress in 1947 to coordinate information across federal agencies for presidential decisions on national security. Trump made the staffing cuts at least partly after receiving input from Laura Loomer, who said the council included staff insufficiently loyal to him.

Instead of drawing on wide government expertise, planning relied on a smaller set of advisers including national security adviser Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff. Military planners received limited advance notice before being directed to move assets to the Middle East.

One former Trump administration official said a smaller NSC created missed opportunities before the February 28 strikes. The same official noted that fuller coordination might have improved discussions with Gulf allies and assessments of Iran’s potential to close the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump stated in March that the strongest surprise during the conflict was the intensity of Iranian missile strikes on Arab Gulf states. The administration also underestimated Iran’s readiness to attempt closing the strait, despite prior military exercises on that scenario.

House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the NSC remains responsive to presidential priorities and that relevant agencies participated throughout Operation Epic Fury. Kelly added that suggestions of insufficient involvement by departments including Defense, State, Energy, and Treasury were not accurate.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sen. Ron Wyden that the department draws on career economic experts for advice. Sriprakash Kothari, nominated by Trump for assistant Treasury secretary, told Senate staff he was unaware of Treasury energy-market analysis conducted before the strikes, according to Wyden.