Trump Selects Michael Waltz as National Security Advisor

Washington Post

On November 12, President-elect Donald Trump announced his choice of Florida Congressman Michael Waltz as his national security advisor. Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret, brings both extensive military experience and a nuanced approach to foreign policy.

As a combat-decorated Green Beret, Waltz continues to serve as a colonel in the U.S. Army National Guard and previously served as a policy advisor at both the White House and the Pentagon. He is the first Green Beret to be elected to Congress. A graduate with honours from the Virginia Military Institute as a Distinguished Military Graduate, Waltz has served over 26 years in the Army. After his commissioning as an Army lieutenant, he completed Ranger School and was selected as a Green Beret. His service includes multiple tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa, earning him four Bronze Stars, two of which were awarded for valour.

Waltz has consistently supported Ukraine, though his views on U.S. involvement have evolved. In 2022, he advocated for increased military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing that most Republicans supported efforts to prevent Russian advances into NATO-aligned countries like the Baltics, Poland, and Finland. However, by October 2024, Waltz urged a reassessment of America’s commitment to Ukraine, citing the need to prioritize resources for the Pacific region.

Waltz is also a strong critic of China, aligning with Trump and his allies on prioritizing countering China’s influence over addressing issues with Russia.