It’s been a wild week in the White House, where a wave of sudden firings has left the National Security Council (NSC) reeling. Dozens of staffers—people who’ve poured years into keeping the country safe—were given just an hour to pack up their desks and walk away. For many, it felt like the rug was pulled out from under them, a deeply personal blow in a job that’s already high-stakes. This bold, almost unprecedented overhaul is President Trump’s way of reshaping the NSC into a smaller, fiercely loyal team that’s all in on his vision for America’s role in the world.

The firings, which started earlier this week, have left the NSC’s hallways quieter than ever. No one’s saying exactly how many people were let go, but the council—once a busy hub of hundreds of experts—is now running on a much smaller crew. Those close to the administration say Trump’s goal is to cut through the red tape and build a team that’s fully on board with his priorities, like securing borders, rethinking trade deals, and standing tall against global competitors.

“Trump’s done with the slow, bloated system,” a senior official told us, asking to stay anonymous because of how raw this all is. “He wants a council that’s quick, focused, and 100% behind his mission to put America first.” They didn’t share names or numbers, but the vibe is clear: Trump’s betting on a leaner, more dedicated NSC to get things done.

The NSC has been a cornerstone of U.S. national security since 1947, pulling together everyone from battle-hardened military folks to policy geeks who live for the details of global affairs. It’s the team that helps the president navigate everything from Middle East flare-ups to cyberattacks and trade wars. In the past, it leaned on a big crew to juggle complex issues like North Korea’s nuclear threats or climate-driven crises. Now, with so many desks empty, people are asking: can a slimmed-down NSC keep up with a world that’s always throwing curveballs?

The news has set off a firestorm of reactions. On social media, some folks are pumped, seeing this as Trump taking charge. “He’s clearing out the bureaucrats and making the NSC work for us!” one user posted. But others are worried sick. A former NSC staffer, speaking to The New York Times without giving their name, said, “You can’t just wipe out that much experience and expect everything to be fine. This could leave us vulnerable.” It’s a tug-of-war between loyalty to a bold new vision and the deep know-how needed to keep the country safe.

What does this mean for the future? A smaller NSC might move faster, making decisions without getting stuck in endless meetings—exactly what Trump’s fans say he’s going for. But there’s a real risk it could struggle to handle multiple crises at once, like a sudden conflict in Asia while hashing out deals with Europe. The stakes are huge, and the world’s watching closely.

No one’s sure yet who’ll fill the empty seats or if the NSC will stay this small forever. There’s talk that Trump might bring in close allies—maybe even familiar faces from his campaign—to take charge. Social platforms are buzzing with guesses about who’s been spotted around the White House, but nothing’s set in stone.

With big challenges on the horizon—like North Korea’s saber-rattling and economic tensions with allies—the NSC’s new reality is under a microscope. Can this smaller, revamped team step up? The administration says more details are coming, but for now, Americans and the global community are left wondering how this daring move will play out.