Since the start of the second Trump administration, the National Security Council (NSC) has seen its staff reduced from around 350 employees to fewer than 100, with dozens of policy experts abruptly dismissed or placed on administrative leave this May. Former U.S. National Security Advisors Thomas E. Donilon, Stephen J. Hadley, and Susan E. Rice unpack how the recent reorganization could affect U.S. foreign policy decision-making.

Background Reading:

This backgrounder from CFR Education outlines the role of the U.S. National Security Council.

Host: Michael Froman, President, Council on Foreign Relations

Guests: Susan E. Rice, Former National Security Advisor (2013–17); CFR Member

Thomas E. Donilon, Former National Security Advisor (2010–13); Member, Board of Directors, Council on Foreign Relations

Stephen J. Hadley, Former National Security Advisor (2005–09); CFR Member

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On U.S. National Security Challenges