Trump reportedly to make drastic cuts to US National Security Council

Staff to be cut to dozens, with more authority expected to be handed to state and defense departments

A large restructuring of the US National Security Council got under way on Friday as Donald Trump moved to reduce the size and scope of the once-powerful agency, five sources briefed on the matter said.

Staff dealing with a variety of major geopolitical issues were sent termination notices on Friday, said the sources, who requested anonymity as they were not permitted to speak to the media.