Mike Martin, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, is leaving the White House later this month, according to a White House official.
Martin worked under President Donald Trump’s last two national security advisors, John Bolton and Robert O’Brien. During that time, he played a lead role in crafting White House messaging for some of the most tumultuous moments of the Trump presidency, including the strike on Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani, the raid against Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and alleged Iranian attacks on ships in international waters. He also assisted with White House communications on counter-China efforts and travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
He will be replaced by Eddie Vasquez, a top communications aide focusing on international negotiations for Trump senior advisor Jared Kushner. Vasquez most recently helped with the roll-out of Kushner’s Middle East peace plan, according to the White House official, an effort that hasn’t progressed significantly since the plan’s release.
It’s the latest shift for the White House’s communications teams as the administration tries to craft its messaging during the coronavirus outbreak. The White House recently overhauled its press shop, bringing over Kayleigh McEnany from the Trump campaign to become the new press secretary. It also brought on Alyssa Farah from the Pentagon to become the White House’s director of strategic communications.
Martin will depart in May for an unannounced role in the private sector.
“Mike has been a true professional during his time at the NSC," O’Brien said in a statement. "We will miss him here, but I have no doubt he will succeed in his next role."
NSC spokesman John Ullyot said Martin "has been a major part" of the president’s national security initiatives.
Read more: politico.com
