President-elect Donald Trump has selected U.S. Representative Michael Waltz, a seasoned Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to serve as his national security adviser. This decision comes despite ongoing concerns among lawmakers about Trump appointing members from the House of Representatives, where the final composition remains uncertain. The potential departure of GOP members could trigger a costly special election to fill the vacated seats.
Waltz’s appointment positions him to tackle a series of pressing national security issues, including the provision of arms to Ukraine, the escalating partnership between Russia and North Korea, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East involving Iranian proxies, alongside efforts for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah.
A three-term Republican congressman from east-central Florida, Waltz is notably the first Green Beret to be elected to the U.S. House. He recently secured reelection with ease and has served as chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on readiness, in addition to his roles on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Waltz is known for his strong support of Trump and has previously endorsed measures to challenge the outcomes of the 2020 election. His stance on foreign policy is regarded as hawkish, particularly towards China, leading him to advocate for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to the country’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its treatment of the Uighur population.
He has also been vocal about the U.S. exit from Afghanistan, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those responsible for the deaths of 13 service members during the withdrawal. Additionally, Waltz has aligned himself with Trump’s criticisms of a “woke” military, stressing the importance of prioritizing military readiness over diversity initiatives.
A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, Waltz boasts an impressive military record as a Green Beret with multiple combat tours in regions such as Afghanistan and the Middle East, earning four Bronze Stars, including two for valor. His experience extends to the Pentagon, where he served as a policy adviser under defense secretaries Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, highlighted that the president-elect will soon announce his choices for his second administration. Richard Goldberg, a former National Security Council member during Trump’s initial term, praised Waltz as a strong candidate whose military experience and congressional background will be invaluable in addressing current global crises.
Waltz’s selection marks a strategic move, aligning Trump’s national security focus with an experienced military voice who is both familiar with the complexities of foreign relations and committed to the administration’s priorities.
This appointment reflects a dedication to addressing pressing global challenges while reinforcing a commitment to strong defense policies, offering hope for effective leadership in safeguarding national security interests during tumultuous times.