'A Day I Hoped Would Not Come': Susie Wiles Laments as Key Official Exits White House

A key member of President Donald J. Trump’s national security team is leaving the administration after playing a major role in the president’s 2024 campaign, transition, and early second-term foreign policy operation.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles announced Wednesday that Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel Jr. will depart the administration and move on to new endeavors.

Wiles praised Gabriel as a trusted aide, longtime Trump loyalist, and central figure in helping shape the president’s policy operation during a critical period for the White House.

“Today is a day I hoped would not come,” Wiles wrote. “But young, brilliant and talented people grow and move on to new chapters.”

Wiles then highlighted Gabriel’s long service to President Trump, including his work during the 2024 campaign and the transition into Trump’s second administration.

“Robert Gabriel has worked tirelessly for President Trump for over a decade,” Wiles added. “He was by my side as we built and managed the 2024 campaign to historic victory, organized the White House team during transition, and played a pivotal policy role during the ambitious first 100 days of the second Trump administration.”

“Over the past 12 months, Robert has achieved great success as the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to President Trump and to National Security Advisor Marco Rubio.”

Wiles also spoke personally about Gabriel’s impact inside the White House.

“Most of all he’s been a trusted confidant and dear friend to me and his White House colleagues, Thank you, Robert. We wish you much success in your endeavors ahead. Very well earned, my friend,” she concluded.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also praised Gabriel’s work, crediting him with helping strengthen the National Security Council and advance President Trump’s foreign policy priorities.

“I am proud of the outstanding leadership Robert Gabriel has delivered as Principal Deputy National Security Advisor. In just one year, he has supercharged the White House NSC, accelerated interagency work on President Trump’s top priorities, and partnered with the Cabinet to achieve historic wins,” Rubio wrote.

Rubio went on to describe Gabriel as a problem-solver with deep knowledge of the president’s agenda and strong relationships throughout the federal government.

“Robert’s intimate understanding of the President’s foreign policy agenda, his decade-long relationships across the U.S. Government, and his unmatched ability to solve complex problems have made him successful. I am grateful for his service and friendship,” Rubio added.

Under Secretary of State Jacob S. Helberg also offered a strong tribute to Gabriel, pointing to his loyalty to President Trump’s agenda and his leadership at the National Security Council.

“Robert Gabriel’s unwavering devotion to President Trump’s agenda and his exceptional leadership at the NSC are tremendous assets to our country. Deeply grateful to call him a friend. Thank you for your service, Robert!” Helberg wrote.

Administration officials did not provide a specific reason for Gabriel’s departure, and they did not announce what role or project he plans to pursue next.

Gabriel’s exit comes after a demanding first year inside President Trump’s second-term national security operation, where the administration has focused on restoring American strength abroad, reasserting national sovereignty, tightening coordination across federal agencies, and advancing a foreign policy rooted in America First principles.

For conservatives, the praise from Wiles, Rubio, and Helberg reflects Gabriel’s reputation as a loyal and effective operator inside Trump’s orbit. His decade of service to the president places him among the officials who helped build the political and policy infrastructure behind Trump’s return to the White House.

While personnel changes are common in any administration, Gabriel’s departure is notable because of his proximity to the president’s campaign, transition, and national security agenda.

The White House has not yet announced who will replace him.