Trump Selects Green Beret Veteran for National Security Adviser Role

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL), a decorated Green Beret veteran, as his incoming national security adviser. This high-stakes role places Waltz, a longtime advocate for a strong U.S. defense posture, in charge of briefing the president on security issues, coordinating national security policy, and overseeing the administration’s strategic agenda. Unlike other high-level appointments, the national security adviser role doesn’t require Senate confirmation, allowing Waltz to take up his new post as soon as Trump enters office.

Known for his tough stance on China and Iran, Waltz has been a vocal critic of the current administration’s policies toward America’s adversaries. During a recent interview on Fox News, Waltz underscored the need to prioritize the rescue of American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, pointing to what he described as failures in the Biden administration’s approach to Iran. “By inauguration day, [the hostages] will have been held longer than the Iranians held our hostages in 1979,” Waltz said, emphasizing the urgent need for action. He criticized Biden’s policies, suggesting that the administration’s concessions to Iran have only emboldened Tehran’s support for terrorist proxies.

Trump’s choice of Waltz aligns with his “peace through strength” foreign policy, which advocates for maintaining U.S. dominance abroad to deter threats. Waltz echoed Trump’s belief that cutting off Iran’s financial resources is key to curtailing its regional aggression, particularly against Israel, America’s ally in the Middle East. “No president has done more for Israel than Donald J. Trump,” Waltz said, pointing to Trump’s recognition of the Golan Heights, the move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and historic peace agreements.

Waltz’s appointment follows a series of strategic picks by Trump for top roles in his administration, including Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as U.N. Ambassador, former ICE Acting Director Tom Homan as “border czar,” and former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) to lead the EPA. With Waltz’s extensive military background and reputation as a China hawk, he’s expected to play a central role in shaping Trump’s national security priorities and reinforcing the administration’s commitment to U.S. strength on the global stage.

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