President-elect Donald Trump is expected to name Rep. Michael Waltz, a Florida Republican, as his national security adviser. Waltz, a decorated Green Beret and Army veteran, has extensive military experience, having served multiple tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa.
A long-time Trump supporter, Waltz was recently re-elected to Congress but would need to vacate his office to serve in the White House. His military background includes working in the Pentagon during the George W. Bush administration and drawing from those experiences in his book “Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret’s Battles from Washington to Afghanistan.”
In Congress, Waltz has been assigned to key national security committees, including Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence. His political views align closely with Republican perspectives on national security and foreign policy. He has advocated for NATO allies to increase defense spending, though not to the extent of Trump’s suggestion of leaving the alliance entirely.
Waltz has maintained a tough stance on international issues. He supports continued assistance to Ukraine while suggesting a reassessment of aid funds. He has also been critical of China, arguing for increased preparedness for potential Pacific conflicts. Additionally, he has frequently criticized President Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in 2021.
If appointed, Waltz would be the fifth national security adviser under Trump, who previously appointed four different individuals during his first term, firing three of them. These included Michael Flynn (who lasted only 24 days), HR McMaster, and John Bolton.
Simultaneously, Senator Marco Rubio is reportedly being considered for secretary of state. Rubio, a 53-year-old son of Cuban immigrants, has built a significant foreign policy resume in the Senate, serving as vice-chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and sitting on the Foreign Relations Committee.
Known as a foreign policy hawk, Rubio has strong positions on China and Iran. He supports Ukraine but has suggested the Russia-Ukraine conflict needs resolution. Interestingly, Rubio and Trump have a complex history. During the 2016 presidential primary, they engaged in a bitter rivalry, with Trump calling Rubio “Little Marco” and Rubio mocking Trump’s “small hands.”
However, their relationship has since improved. Rubio backed Trump during his first term and was an early supporter in the recent primary. He has been a prominent Republican figure, previously considered as a potential running mate for Mitt Romney in 2012 and Trump in 2024.
While Rubio’s nomination as secretary of state is not yet confirmed, multiple media outlets report ongoing discussions with the Trump transition team. The potential appointment remains fluid, with the possibility that Trump could still change his mind.
Both Waltz and Rubio represent potential key players in Trump’s anticipated administration, bringing significant foreign policy and national security experience to potential high-level roles.
