Story thread · 3 reports / 3 sources

Scoop: Key W.H. national security aide Andy Baker is departing

axios.com · 3h · first reportShare

White House deputy national security adviser Andy Baker is leaving the administration in the coming weeks. Why it matters: Baker, who also served as national security advisor to Vice President Vance, was among the staffers most central to the administration's foreign policy and national security decision-making over the last 18 months. Baker was also personally involved in negotiations with Iran this year. Cliff Sims, who succeeded Baker as Vance's national security adviser earlier this summer, will continue in that role. Mike Needham will continue as White House deputy national security adviser. "This has been an amazing journey. I'm proud of everything we've achieved and, of course, am incredibly grateful to the President, Vice President, and Secretary Rubio," Baker told Axios in a statement. Catch up quick: Baker served as a foreign service officer at the State Department several years ago and then joined then-Sen. Vance's team as a national security advisor. Between the lines: A so