Ice Queen devastated as Trump's top national security aide and 'peace' broker suddenly exits

By ELINA SHIRAZI, US SENIOR POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 21:14, 21 May 2026 | Updated: 21:27, 21 May 2026 President Trump has lost his longtime national security aide, Robert Gabriel.  The White House insider is moving on to 'new chapters,' according to a post shared by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Gabriel is leaving his position as principal deputy national security advisor, working under Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio. 'Today is a day I hoped would not come,' Wiles wrote on X about his departure, calling him 'young, brilliant, and talented.' He's moving on to a new 'chapter,' Trump's Ice Maiden wrote on X in the affectionate post.  Gabriel, who is in his early 30's, worked for Trump for over a decade, was also 'by my side' through the campaign and White House transition.  He played a 'pivotal policy role' during Trump's first 100 days to 'great success,' she added. Wiles continued to call him a 'trusted confidant' and 'dear friend.' Gabriel got his first stint working for Trump in 2015.  President Trump has lost his longtime national security aide, Robert Gabriel. The White House insider is moving on to 'new chapters,' according to a post shared by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles Gabriel (third from the left) is leaving his post as Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, working under Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio  Gabriel (center) got his first stint working for Trump in 2015 He continued on during the 2016 campaign and Trump's first and second term and  worked hand-in-hand with Wiles during his last term, taking on a big role with the transition team. Im Nikki Schwab, Chief Campaign Correspondent, and Ive spent years tracking the dealmakers and power players who shape Washington.  This week, one of Trumps billionaire Cabinet stars is facing fresh scrutiny over past links to Jeffrey Epstein and our new poll reveals America's verdict on whether he should keep his job. Sign up for our free weekly DC Insider newsletter to get the exclusive results in your inbox. 'Susie and Gabriel are in lockstep - she doesn't do anything without him so this is a huge loss,' a source close to the White House explained. 'He really ran the campaign for Wiles and was on the road constantly.' Another source called him 'irreplaceable.'   Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, congratulating Gabriel and applauding all his efforts. 'I am proud of the outstanding leadership Robert Gabriel has delivered as Principal Deputy National Security Advisor,' he posted. 'In just one year, he has supercharged the White House NSC, accelerated interagency work on President Trump's top priorities, and partnered with the Cabinet to achieve historic wins.' Rubio added that Gabriel's deep bench of skills, including foreign policy expertise, connections in government and 'unmatched ability to solve complex problems' made him successful. 'I am grateful for his service and friendship,' Rubio said. Gabriel joined the NSC shortly after Mike Waltz's departure as National Security Advisor in May 2025. A source close to Gabriel describes him as someone who 'doesn't like the limelight' and helped run a 'leaner operation' at the NSC.  Before working in the administration, Gabriel worked at Fox News as an associate producer.  Gabriel continued on during the 2016 campaign and Trump's first and second term and worked hand-in-hand with Wiles during his last term, taking on a big role with the transition team Wiles continued on, saying he has 'achieved great success,' calling him a 'trusted confidant' and 'dear friend' Rubio added that Gabriel's deep bench of skills, including foreign policy expertise, connections in government, and 'unmatched ability to solve complex problems' made him successful No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.