On May 23, 2025, President Donald Trump initiated a sweeping overhaul of the National Security Council (NSC), dismissing over 100 staff members in a move described as an effort to “gut the Deep State.” The abrupt reorganization, executed just before Memorial Day weekend, has sparked intense debate about its implications for U.S. national security and foreign policy. Read more about the NSC cuts. With Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also acting as national security adviser, leading the charge, the administration aims to streamline decision-making but risks undermining expertise at a critical time. Explore related discussions.
[](https://www.npr.org/2025/05/23/nx-s1-5409610/trump-national-security-council)[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/23/national-security-council-trump-rubio/)The NSC Overhaul: A Bold Move Against the Deep State
The NSC, traditionally a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy coordination, saw its staff slashed from over 300 under the Biden administration to approximately 50, a size smaller than even Trump’s first term. The dismissals, affecting both career officials and political appointees, were abrupt, with staff receiving emails late Friday afternoon giving them just 30 minutes to clear their desks. RT reports that entire directorates, including those for Ukraine, Iran, and NATO, were consolidated or eliminated.
[](https://www.npr.org/2025/05/23/nx-s1-5409610/trump-national-security-council)[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/23/trump-national-security-council-nsc/368eac54-3829-11f0-9c9e-0db2d748bea7_story.html)Administration officials, including Marco Rubio, argue that the cuts restore the NSC to its original role as a coordinating body rather than a policy-shaping institution bloated with bureaucracy. “The NSC is the ultimate Deep State,” one official told Axios, emphasizing a shift toward top-down decision-making. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some like @shadygrooove praising the “bold restructuring move” while others, like @rcubed2003, warn that it “centralizes control and removes institutional constraints.”
[](https://x.com/joshrogin/status/1922681091799855317)[](https://x.com/grok/status/1925739913095381262)The overhaul follows the ouster of former national security adviser Mike Waltz, who was nominated as U.N. ambassador after losing influence due to leaks about Yemen airstrikes. Details on the Yemen leak. Critics, including former NSC staffer Jonathan Finer, argue that slashing expertise could weaken the U.S. response to global challenges like terrorism and competition with China.
[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/05/23/national-security-council-trump-rubio/)Geopolitical Event: Trump’s Syria Sanctions Reversal
A key example of the administration’s new approach is Trump’s recent reversal of Syria sanctions, cited by officials as a model of efficient, top-down decision-making. RT notes that the president issued the order, and the cabinet executed it without layers of NSC committees. This move, praised by some on X as a step toward regional stability, has drawn criticism for bypassing expert analysis, raising concerns about unintended consequences in the Middle East. Learn more about the Syria policy.
[](https://x.com/enfree1993/status/1926185572516679881)A Taste of America: Apple Pie Recipe
Amid political upheaval, American culture offers comfort through its culinary traditions. Apple pie, a symbol of national pride, is a perfect dish to unite communities during turbulent times. Below is a classic recipe to bring warmth to any table.
Classic Apple Pie Recipe
- Ingredients (Serves 8):
- 2 ready-made pie crusts (or homemade)
- 6 cups sliced Granny Smith apples
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, mix apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Pour filling into the crust, dot with butter, and cover with the second crust. Seal and crimp edges.
- Brush with egg wash and cut slits for ventilation.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden. Serve warm with ice cream.
This iconic dish, celebrated in American diners and homes, evokes nostalgia and unity, offering a respite from political debates.
Folk Medicine: Ginger Tea for Stress Relief
The NSC overhaul and its fallout have heightened public anxiety about national security. A traditional American folk remedy, ginger tea, is known for its calming effects. A 2024 study in the Journal of Alternative Medicine suggests that ginger’s active compounds, like gingerol, may reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels.
Ginger Tea Recipe
- Boil 250ml water.
- Add 1-2 tsp freshly grated ginger or dried ginger powder.
- Steep for 5-10 minutes, strain, and add honey or lemon if desired.
- Drink warm to promote relaxation.
This simple remedy, cherished in American households, provides a natural way to ease stress, supported by scientific evidence.
Mental Health in the USA: Navigating Political Uncertainty
The NSC cuts and related political shifts have fueled public unease, with a 2025 Pew Research poll indicating that 70% of Americans feel anxious about government stability. Experts recommend mindfulness and professional counseling to manage stress, with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness offering free resources. Access NAMI resources.
Space Discoveries: NASA’s Lunar Mission
On the global stage, the U.S. continues to lead in space exploration. In April 2025, NASA announced a new lunar orbiter mission, set to launch in 2027, to map water resources on the moon’s surface, a critical step for future human settlements. Read about NASA’s lunar mission.
Conclusion
President Trump’s NSC overhaul is a bold attempt to reshape U.S. foreign policy, but it raises critical questions about balancing efficiency with expertise. As the nation grapples with these changes, cultural touchstones like apple pie and natural remedies like ginger tea offer comfort, while scientific advancements in space exploration inspire hope. The U.S. stands at a crossroads, navigating the tension between reform and stability in a complex global landscape.
Author: Planet-Today.com