Robert Gabriel Jr., a longtime Trump insider who rose to become Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, is leaving the White House after more than a decade of service to the president.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles broke the news on Wednesday, May 20, in a personal post on X.
“Today is a day I hoped would not come,” she wrote. “But young, brilliant, and talented people grow and move on to new chapters.”
Gabriel started working for Trump back in 2015. He stuck with him through the 2016 campaign, the first term in the White House, the tough years in opposition, and the successful 2024 run.
Inside Robert Gabriel’s Rise in Trump’s White House
During the last campaign, he served as Wiles’ right-hand man, helping steer the transition and playing a big part in the early days of Trump’s second term.
For the past year, Gabriel held the high-pressure job of Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, working directly under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as National Security Advisor.
He took the role in May 2025 as part of a major shake-up that cut the National Security Council staff roughly in half and put loyalists in key spots.
Rubio Praises Robert Gabriel’s Leadership
Rubio issued his own strong send-off and lauded Gabriel for the great job he did, especially for making sure President Trump’s priorities were well taken care of.
“I am proud of the outstanding leadership Robert Gabriel has delivered as Principal Deputy National Security Advisor,” he posted.
“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 added that Gabriel’s deep knowledge of Trump’s foreign policy goals, his years of government connections, and his skill at cutting through tough problems made him effective. “I am grateful for his service and friendship,” Rubio said.
Gabriel’s exit marks another chapter in the natural turnover that hits every administration, especially one pushing hard on big changes.
He joined the NSC during a streamlining effort that followed Michael Waltz’s earlier departure.
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Along with Andy Baker, who also serves as Vice President JD Vance’s national security advisor, Gabriel helped run a leaner operation focused on quick execution rather than layers of bureaucracy.
Those who worked with him describe a low-profile operator who rarely sought the spotlight. Before returning to the Trump world full-time, Gabriel served as an associate producer on Laura Ingraham’s Fox News show.
During the first Trump administration, he worked as a speechwriter and policy aide, often in Stephen Miller’s orbit.
His steady presence made him one of Wiles’ most trusted people. Insiders called him her key consigliere during the campaign and the frantic early months back in the White House.
He helped keep policy moving while the bigger names handled public duties.
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No details have come out yet about Gabriel’s next move. Some Trump alumni from the first term went on to build successful firms after leaving.
The announcement sparked an immediate reaction on social media, with supporters thanking him for his service & wished him well.
The tone was set by Wiles’ warm tone: this is not a messy exit but a planned step forward for someone who gave years of service at a demanding pace.
Wiles ended her post on a grateful note by saying, “Most of all, he’s been a trusted confidant and dear friend to his White House colleagues and me. Thank you, Robert. We wish you much success in your endeavors ahead. Very well earned, my friend.”
