Trump selects Mike Waltz as national security adviser; expected to tap US Senator Marco Rubio for secretary of state
Trump selects Mike Waltz as national security adviser; expected to tap US Senator Marco Rubio for secretary of state
The Facts
On Monday, two sources told Reuters that President-elect Donald J. Trump has chosen Republican Representative Mike Waltz as his national security advisor, an important role that will update the president on national security concerns and coordinate with government agencies.
With multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa under his belt, Waltz is a 50-year-old veteran, having served as an Army Green Beret and a Colonel in the National Guard. Since entering Congress in 2018, heâ€TMs emerged as a vocal critic of China.
The Spin
Expected to appoint new members of his incoming administration, President-elect Donald Trump is currently considering Florida Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Congressman Michael Waltz as national security advisor. Rubio and Waltz share a strong belief that China is a threat to US dominance, making them both known for their aggressive stances. Trump’s “America First” foreign policy, which they will shape, promises an end to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. The whole idea is to avoid any more US military entanglements.
Many US diplomats will be glad to discover that President-elect Donald J. Trump is considering Rubio as his secretary of state, since they expected an unfriendly pick. Washington's foreign affairs establishment will benefit from Marco Rubio's selection, since Rubio is hardline on many foreign issues. Senate colleagues are unlikely to oppose his candidacy, as Rubio will strengthen US ties with friends and punish foes. Relations with Havana are expected to deteriorate.
