Washington — President Donald Trump will name U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser. Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, has been outspoken on his hardline approach against China.
- Waltz is a decorated Green Beret; he has four Bronze Stars, including two for valor, with multiple combat tours to Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa.
- East-central Florida elected Waltz to the U.S. House for three terms, making him the first Green Beret to serve in Congress.
- He serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness. He is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Intelligence Committee.
A Hawkish Stance Against China
Waltz has been anything but unstinting towards the Chinese. Recently called upon the U.S. to boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing because of the COVID-19 virus. China’s perceived mistreatment of the Uighur Muslim minority. He is equally disapproving of what he considers a “woke” military, pushing for a return to an emphasis on combat readiness rather than diversity.
The appointment comes as Trump faces myriad global security challenges, including:
- The Ukraine-Russia conflict
- Increasing alliance between Russia and North Korea
- Ongoing tensions in the region involving Iran-aligned groups
- The ceasefire between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah
With Waltz’s extensive military and policy experience, he is in a unique position to take on these issues head-on. “Mike Waltz background will prove invaluable as he manages the complex security landscape,” says former National Security Council official Richard Goldberg, a supporter of Waltz’s campaign.
Challenges Ahead
But the rest is still all about Trump now, as his move to appoint a sitting Congressman raises some eyebrows. If Waltz were to vacate his House seat, a possible special election could be triggered. Which would impact the slim majority the GOP currently holds.
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