President-elect Donald Trump is moving quickly to assemble his incoming administration, appointing key officials just days after his sweeping election victory on November 5. Trump has already selected several advisors and political allies for prominent roles, including White House Chief of Staff.
Trump has announced Representative Mike Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret as his national security advisor, as per sources. Waltz has been vocal about national security concerns and was also against China’s action in the Asia-Pacific. He will now be taking up a major role under Trump’s administration. Additionally, Trump has also chosen US Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state, as per a report by the New York Times. Born in Florida, he is famous for his stance on foreign policy and is all set to become the first Latino to take up this position.
All about Mike Waltz
Waltz is known for his support for a strong US military presence in the Indo-Pacific, he has given importance to the need for America to prepare for potential conflicts in the region. As national security advisor, a designation that won’t require confirmation from the Senate, he will be responsible for briefing Trump on all the crucial security issues and will work together with several agencies to execute the administration’s national security plans. He has earlier served as a colonel in the National Guard and constantly raised his voice regarding Chinese influence.
He has also been known for openly criticizing the Trump administration’s foreign policy for handling their withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. His long-standing experience in Washington includes working in Congress since 2018 and has played the role of advisor to defense secretaries Robert Gates and Donald Rumsfeld. Waltz is a member of the select intelligence committee and has headed the House Armed Services subcommittee on military logistics.
Controversies related to Waltz
Waltz has many times clashed with military officials on some issues, especially related to inclusion and diversity programs. He is also a strong supporter of ”merit-based ” military culture and has introduced a 2023 congressional bill related to unnecessary political programs in the military. He has also condemned the US Military Academy at West Point for educating critical race theory and has stated that the military should focus on unity and accountability instead of adopting social theories.
(With inputs from Reuters)