State Department briefing addresses leadership reshuffle: Mike Waltz to U.N., Rubio to hold dual role, deputy sec. Landau to step up

The State Department spokesperson addressed a presidential announcement that Mike Waltz will become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and that Secretary Marco Rubio will serve, in the interim, as national security adviser while continuing his role at the State Department.

The spokesperson said the president’s message on social media announced the personnel moves and stressed that presidential staffing decisions are his prerogative. The spokesperson described Secretary Rubio as an experienced manager who has worked closely with the president and said Rubio’s close working relationship with the White House and the Senate experience give him advantages in coordinating the roles.

The briefing also named Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau as part of the senior leadership who would handle daily management at State if needed. The spokesperson said Landau “chairs certain meetings” and praised his experience and transparency, adding that there are “dozens of people in a framework of leadership” prepared to manage department operations.

Reporters asked how long Rubio would serve in both roles and whether Deputy Secretary Landau would assume day-to-day operations. The spokesperson declined to offer specific timetables and stressed that such transitions are presidential decisions. The spokesperson said, “he would not have accepted an assignment, if he didn't think he could do it,” referring to Rubio’s ability to manage dual responsibilities.

The briefing did not provide formal personnel orders, a timeline for any transition, or any notices of Senate confirmation for the UN posting. The department framed the discussion as a response to a presidential announcement rather than a presentation of new, department-issued orders.