President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly selected U.S. Representative Michael Waltz to be his national security adviser, according to sources familiar with the decision. This choice is notable given the ongoing discussions in Congress about the implications of moving members from the House of Representatives, where the balance of power remains uncertain. If Waltz vacates his position, it could trigger a special election to fill his seat.
Waltz, a veteran of the Army National Guard and a three-term congressman from Florida, would step into the role amidst numerous national security challenges. These include the ongoing military support for Ukraine, concerns regarding Russia and North Korea’s increasing collaboration, and ongoing attacks by Iranian proxies in the Middle East. Furthermore, there are pressing calls for a cease-fire between Israel and militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Known as the first Green Beret elected to Congress, Waltz has previously served as the chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on readiness, and he currently sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He has been an outspoken supporter of Trump, advocating for the overturning of the 2020 election results and taking a strong stance on issues such as a boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights violations in China.
His criticism of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan has been notable, emphasizing accountability for past failures that resulted in service member deaths and the abandonment of allies in perilous situations. He has also expressed concerns about what he refers to as a “woke” military, arguing for a return to a focus on military effectiveness over diversity and equity initiatives.
Waltz, who graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, has had an illustrious military career, receiving four Bronze Stars, including two for valor during combat missions. His experience extends to working in the Pentagon as a policy adviser during the tenures of Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates as defense secretaries.
As Trump prepares to announce further selections for his administration, supporters like Richard Goldberg have praised Waltz’s qualifications, asserting that his military background and legislative experience are critical in addressing the pressing security issues facing the nation.
The selection of Waltz marks a continuation of Trump’s focus on individuals with military experience and a strong belief in traditional national security policies.
This potential selection could lead to a more robust approach to national defense as Waltz tackles various complex global security challenges. His appointment represents a commitment to qualified leadership in significant roles during this pivotal time for U.S. foreign policy and national security.