According to a source in the know, President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Rep. Mike Waltz from Florida to be his national security adviser. If he accepts, Waltz will have his hands full dealing with several global tensions that will come up during Trump’s second term, such as the ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and Israel and Hamas.
Waltz is a loyal supporter of Trump and has an impressive background as a combat-decorated Green Beret who served in places like Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa—making him the first former Green Beret to take on this role.
This news was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal as Trump works to fill key positions in his new administration—from border czar to EPA head, UN ambassador to attorney general—to push forward his agenda.
However, stepping into this position might not be easy for Waltz; previous advisers have had rocky relationships with Trump.
For instance, both John Bolton and Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster had disagreements with him after serving in similar roles.
Trump’s past experiences seem to be influencing his current choices as he aims to reward those who have been loyal over recent years while reflecting on some of the top aides from his first term who didn’t quite align with his often impulsive style.
He’s hinted that whoever leads national security will need to rethink America’s approach toward Ukraine, Russia, conflicts in the Middle East, China, and Iran.
Selecting Waltz could stir up discussions within Republican circles about Trump’s America First policy—pitting the party’s more hawkish members against those favoring isolationism.
Waltz previously worked under President Bush’s administration and is likely to adopt a foreign policy perspective similar to that of Mike Pompeo, Trump’s former Secretary of State.
Recently on CNN’s The Lead with Jack Tapper, when asked about Trump’s immigration promises, Waltz expressed concern for immigrants affected by America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He noted that some of the most frustrated immigrants he has spoken with are those who followed all the legal processes only to see others bypass them.
He emphasized how heartbroken many Afghans left behind feel—those who fought alongside American troops—and mentioned discussions he had with Trump regarding their situation long before now: “We talked about it after we pulled out,” he said. “It’s really going to come down to securing our borders and getting rid of potential threats.”
He added that while they need strong measures at home, there should also be compassion for people facing dire circumstances back in Afghanistan.