National security advisor central to Iran negotiations to leave White House
White House deputy national security advisor Andy Baker is departing from the Trump governance after playing a key role in Iran peace negotiations. Baker plans to leave in the coming weeks to spend more time with his family, having served longer than expected. His departure marks the second high-profile exit recently, following press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Baker, who previously advised Vice President JD Vance and participated in peace talks with Iran-including a brief ceasefire that eventually collapsed-was praised by colleagues as a talented and dedicated adviser.He is expected to transition to the private sector, possibly working with former Trump officials. The White House acknowledged his valuable contributions, while overall staff turnover in Trump’s second term is notable at 53%, compared to 93% in his first term.
White House deputy national security advisor Andy Baker is exiting the Trump administration after playing a central role in peace negotiations with Iran.
Baker is set to part ways with President Donald Trump in the coming weeks, Axios reported on Friday, marking the second high-profile departure from the White House this week. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Wednesday that she would be stepping down from her role to spend more time with her family.
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According to Axios, Baker will be departing for similar reasons, citing his desire to be closer to his family after staying in the role longer than expected. Baker previously served as national security advisor to Vice President JD Vance, and reportedly stayed in the role for additional time to ensure a smooth transition to successors.
White House officials praised Baker as a valuable asset to the administration, with Vance calling him a “exceptionally gifted, deeply thoughtful advisor.”
Baker was a member of Washington’s negotiation team in a series of peace talks with Iran. The national security advisor joined Vance, as well as special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in April on a trip to Islamabad for discussions with Tehran.
Those peace talks produced a 60-day ceasefire that included a highly contested memorandum of understanding. The framework ultimately crumbled with the U.S. and Iran blaming each other for violating the terms of agreement.
“From day one, Andy has worked tirelessly to put America first and get deals done for the President around the world,” Witkoff told the outlet of Baker.
Baker was succeeded as Vance’s top national security advisor by Cliff Sims, and worked along side Mike Needham, who will continue as deputy national security advisor. Reports suggest Baker will move into the private sector and work with another Trump national security alumni, Robert O’Brien.
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According to an analysis from the Brooking Institute, Trump’s second administration has a 53% turnover rate for White House staff. The turnover rate includes individuals who left under pressure, for other ventures, or due to promotions. Trump’s first term had a 93% turnover rate.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the White House for comment.
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