Andy Baker leaves White House as deputy national security adviser

White House deputy national security adviser Andy Baker announced his upcoming departure on August 14, 2026, marking the second high-profile exit from the Trump administration in two days. Baker, a key foreign policy adviser to Vice President JD Vance, has been central to negotiations in the six-month-old Iran war. His exit follows that of press secretary Karoline Leavitt, amid reports of further expected staff departures before the end of the year.

Andy Baker White House departure

• ▪White House deputy national security adviser Andy Baker confirmed his departure from the Trump administration on August 14, 2026.
• ▪Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who serves in a dual role as national security adviser, described Andy Baker as an invaluable asset to the national security team.
• ▪Andy Baker plans to officially depart his post in the coming weeks to spend more time with his family.

Vance foreign policy adviser

• ▪Vice President JD Vance described Andy Baker as an exceptionally gifted, deeply thoughtful, and indispensable advisor who served with distinction.
• ▪Andy Baker served as national security adviser to Vice President JD Vance from the start of the administration before becoming deputy national security adviser in May 2026.
• ▪Andy Baker emerged as a key figure in Vice President JD Vance's orbit, shaping Vance's foreign policy thinking and key national security decisions.

Trump administration staff exits

• ▪The Trump administration sharply cut staff levels at the White House National Security Council in 2025.
• ▪Multiple officials indicated that more exits from the Trump administration are expected before the end of 2026.
• ▪White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced her departure on August 12, 2026, making Andy Baker the second major Trump official to exit in two days.

Iran war negotiations

• ▪The war with Iran has stretched into its sixth month as of August 2026.
• ▪Andy Baker has been personally involved in negotiations with Iran to end the ongoing war.

Private sector transition

• ▪Former White House director of Cabinet affairs Lea Bardon left the administration in April 2026 to join the public affairs firm The Sovereign Advisors.
• ▪Former deputy White House press secretary Abigail Jackson left the administration in July 2026 to join the lobbying group OnMessage Public Strategies.
• ▪Andy Baker is reportedly entering the private sector following his departure from the Trump administration.

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