Waltz Warns U.S. Adversaries Against Exploiting Transition Period

Representative Michael Waltz (R-FL), President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for national security adviser, issued a stern warning to U.S. adversaries over the weekend, cautioning against viewing the transition between administrations as a moment of weakness. Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Waltz addressed the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict and emphasized the need for unified and decisive action.

Waltz pointed to Russia’s deployment of advanced ballistic missiles as a significant and alarming escalation in the war with Ukraine. He noted this development is compounded by North Korea’s involvement, with Pyongyang reportedly sending troops to support Moscow.

“This is a clear escalation,” Waltz said, expressing concerns about where such actions might lead. He highlighted the U.S.’s recent decision to allow strikes deeper into Russian-held territory, targeting military supply depots and airfields, which has helped push back the Russian offensive.

Importantly, Waltz clarified that these strikes are measured, avoiding direct hits on Moscow or St. Petersburg to prevent further escalation.

Despite the heightened tensions, Waltz underscored the importance of diplomacy in resolving the conflict. He stressed the need for strategic talks involving key players to broker an armistice or a long-term agreement. “What we need to be discussing is who is at that table… and what the framework of a deal looks like,” Waltz explained.

South Korea’s potential involvement and President Trump’s firm stance on ending the conflict add layers of complexity, but also urgency, to these discussions.

Waltz addressed the risks posed by foreign adversaries who might see the U.S. transition as an opportunity to exploit perceived vulnerabilities. He dismissed such notions, asserting that the Trump transition team is working closely with the outgoing administration on foreign policy.

“For our adversaries out there that think this is a time of opportunity, that they can play one administration off the other they are wrong,” Waltz stated firmly. “We are hand in glove. We are one team with the United States in this transition.”

Waltz’s remarks send a clear signal to nations like Russia, China, and Iran that the U.S. remains resolute and unified during the presidential transition. With Trump’s incoming administration taking a hardline approach to national security, any attempts to exploit this period will be met with a cohesive and robust response.

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