General McMaster inherited an organizational scheme for the National Security Council that stirred protests because of Mr. Bannon’s role. A senior White House official presented the move as a logical evolution, not a setback for Mr. Bannon. And as evidence he will still play a role in national security decisions, the aide said that Mr. Bannon still maintains the highest level of security clearance in the West Wing. But the reorganization seemed a clear victory for General McMaster as he struggles to assert control over national security. The principals committee, led by the national security adviser, is the primary policy-making body for national security, and decides questions that do not rise to the level of the president himself.

Source: New York Times April 05, 2017 16:12 UTC