The national security adviser is an independent aide to the president and does not require confirmation by the US Senate. He has broad influence over foreign policy and attends National Security Council meetings along with the heads of the State Department, the Department of Defence and key security agencies. ”I give President Trump great credit for this decision,” McCain said in a statement. Trump also said Keith Kellogg, a retired US Army general who has been serving as the acting national security adviser, as chief of staff to the National Security Council. Senior adviser Steve Bannon has asserted his influence by taking a seat on the National Security Council.

Source: The Telegraph February 21, 2017 10:11 UTC