Trump advisor removed from National Security Council

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Donald Trump removed his chief strategist from the National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday.

A filing with the federal register does not list Steve Bannon or his position among members of the council's Principals Committee.

While Bannon was dropped from the NSC, the Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford were restored to their positions on the council after Trump earlier reduced their stature in the advisory group.

The White House did not respond to Anadolu Agency's request for comment.

Bannon was originally put on the council as a check on former National Security Advisor Gen. Michael Flynn, according to multiple media reports. Flynn resigned shortly into his tenure after revelations surfaced he misled the administration about his contacts with Russian officials.

His replacement, H.R. McMaster was given authority to reorganize the council after he assumed the post one month after the American president took office.

The shakeup Wednesday is likely the result of those authorities.

Bannon has long been a lightning rod of controversy. Prior to joining the Trump team, he helmed a far-right nationalist website that has been a fountainhead of the alt-right movement.

His appointment to the National Security Council caused widespread concern among Trump critics who questioned whether it was appropriate to place a political advisor on the top security advisory body.

“I am worried about the National Security Council,” Sen. John McCain, a Trump critic, said in January, adding that Bannon's appointment was a "radical departure from any national security council in history".