Trump appoints Army veteran and consistent supporter Waltz as national security adviser
The Florida representative will be responsible for managing what is expected to be a significant shift in the U.S. stance on the global stage.
TroibNews 
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rep. Mike Waltz to serve as his national security adviser, as confirmed by two individuals with knowledge of the decision.
By selecting Waltz, Trump is appointing a Green Beret combat veteran to lead a significant shift in U.S. global strategy, which will involve addressing an ongoing war in Ukraine and an escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Although Waltz did not play a prominent role in Trump’s daily campaign activities, he has maintained a close relationship with the president-elect and his team since their first term. During the Republican National Convention this past summer in Milwaukee, Waltz delivered an impactful speech that highlighted Trump’s qualifications as commander-in-chief while criticizing President Joe Biden’s “woke” agenda at the Pentagon and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Waltz’s ability to navigate the intersection of policy and politics, along with his straightforward communication style, could provide the effective dynamic that some of Trump’s earlier national security advisers, such as H.R. McMaster and John Bolton, lacked during Trump’s first term.
The individuals who confirmed Waltz's selection spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of internal matters. Waltz's congressional office has not provided any comments.
The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported on Waltz being Trump’s pick.
Waltz will step into a White House environment facing immediate challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, a coalition of anxious allies in Europe, Trump’s proposed strategy to end the war on his first day back in office, and an ally in Israel engaged in multifaceted conflicts, including direct confrontations with Iran.
As a seasoned China hawk, the 50-year-old retired Army Green Beret and National Guard colonel will spearhead efforts to develop strategies against China’s substantial military expansion, which has been a central focus of Trump’s campaign.
With experience as a Pentagon and White House policy official, Waltz has also been actively engaged in debates surrounding military culture and has critiqued Biden’s foreign policies from his positions on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees.
During Trump’s first term, Waltz frequently visited the White House, advising the president on national security matters and emerging as one of his closest defense advisers. Prior to his appointment as national security adviser, he was considered a strong candidate for the role of Trump’s defense secretary.
“He’s the Trump defense policy whisperer, period,” remarked Mackenzie Eaglen, a former Pentagon and congressional staffer currently affiliated with the American Enterprise Institute.
Since the role of national security adviser does not require Senate confirmation, Waltz will be able to begin influencing Trump’s policy decisions immediately upon taking office.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
By selecting Waltz, Trump is appointing a Green Beret combat veteran to lead a significant shift in U.S. global strategy, which will involve addressing an ongoing war in Ukraine and an escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Although Waltz did not play a prominent role in Trump’s daily campaign activities, he has maintained a close relationship with the president-elect and his team since their first term. During the Republican National Convention this past summer in Milwaukee, Waltz delivered an impactful speech that highlighted Trump’s qualifications as commander-in-chief while criticizing President Joe Biden’s “woke” agenda at the Pentagon and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Waltz’s ability to navigate the intersection of policy and politics, along with his straightforward communication style, could provide the effective dynamic that some of Trump’s earlier national security advisers, such as H.R. McMaster and John Bolton, lacked during Trump’s first term.
The individuals who confirmed Waltz's selection spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of internal matters. Waltz's congressional office has not provided any comments.
The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported on Waltz being Trump’s pick.
Waltz will step into a White House environment facing immediate challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, a coalition of anxious allies in Europe, Trump’s proposed strategy to end the war on his first day back in office, and an ally in Israel engaged in multifaceted conflicts, including direct confrontations with Iran.
As a seasoned China hawk, the 50-year-old retired Army Green Beret and National Guard colonel will spearhead efforts to develop strategies against China’s substantial military expansion, which has been a central focus of Trump’s campaign.
With experience as a Pentagon and White House policy official, Waltz has also been actively engaged in debates surrounding military culture and has critiqued Biden’s foreign policies from his positions on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees.
During Trump’s first term, Waltz frequently visited the White House, advising the president on national security matters and emerging as one of his closest defense advisers. Prior to his appointment as national security adviser, he was considered a strong candidate for the role of Trump’s defense secretary.
“He’s the Trump defense policy whisperer, period,” remarked Mackenzie Eaglen, a former Pentagon and congressional staffer currently affiliated with the American Enterprise Institute.
Since the role of national security adviser does not require Senate confirmation, Waltz will be able to begin influencing Trump’s policy decisions immediately upon taking office.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
