In a significant move for his upcoming administration Donald Trump chose Florida congressman Mike Waltz as national-security advisor: the ex-military leader brings combat experience to the role
The soon-to-be advisor Waltz spent almost three decades in the military (serving with Green Berets and National Guard) before joining Congress about 6 years ago — taking the seat that belonged to Ron DeSantis. His background includes work on key committees; including Armed Services and Foreign Affairs
As a law-maker Waltz focused heavily on China-related issues working with the China Task Force; he pushed for laws that would stop government money going to universities with Chinese connections. On Ukraine he supported aid but lately wants European allies to pay more for defense support (calling it a blank-check problem)
The appointment joins other recent picks in Trumps team including:
- Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador
- Lee Zeldin heading Environmental Protection
- Marco Rubio expected to lead State Department