On November 12, 2024, sources disclosed that President-elect Donald Trump has selected Republican Congressman Mike Waltz to serve as the White House National Security Advisor. Mike Waltz, a 50-year-old congressman, has represented Florida’s 6th district since 2019. He has been a vocal advocate for Europe to take more actions in support of Ukraine and has called for a more careful evaluation of U.S. spending on aiding Ukraine, aligning with Trump’s key foreign policy priorities.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump has extended an invitation to Waltz to become the National Security Advisor. This news was later confirmed by multiple U.S. media outlets quoting sources familiar with the matter.
Waltz, a loyal supporter of Trump, is a former member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, known as the “Green Berets.” He served in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa, holding the rank of Colonel in the National Guard.
Having served as a defense policy advisor to former defense secretaries Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates during the George W. Bush administration, Waltz was elected to Congress in 2018. He chairs the Subcommittee on Military Logistics of the House Armed Services Committee and is a member of the Intelligence Special Committee.
Waltz is considered one of the most hawkish members of Congress on China policy. In 2021, he declared, “We are in a cold war with the Chinese Communist Party.” He was the first to advocate for a complete boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics by the U.S. Congress, citing the CCP’s oppression and forced labor of minority groups.
As a member of the House China Task Force, Waltz has been vocal in criticizing the Chinese Communist Party and stressing the need for the U.S. to prepare for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. Earlier this year, Waltz published a book titled “Hard Truths: Think and Lead Like a Green Beret,” outlining a five-step strategy to deter China, prevent war, upgrade Taiwan’s defense capabilities, strengthen ties with Pacific allies, and modernize aircraft and ships.
In response to reports of significant Chinese investments and construction in Antigua, less than 1,500 miles from Miami, Waltz emphasized the necessity for the U.S. to take more measures to counter China’s growing influence in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Waltz stated, “We need a new Monroe Doctrine, specifically aimed at curbing China’s economic and military influence.”
In his new role, Waltz will assist Trump in addressing a range of national security crises, including continuing to provide weapons to Ukraine, Russia’s increasing military cooperation with North Korea, easing tensions in the Middle East, and confronting global challenges posed by China to the U.S.
The National Security Advisor is a crucial position that does not require confirmation by the Senate. Waltz will be responsible for briefing Trump on key national security issues and coordinating with various agencies.