Reuters, citing its sources, reports that newly elected US President Donald Trump has chosen Republican Mike Waltz as his national security advisor.
Waltz, a retired National Guard colonel and former Green Beret, is known as an outspoken critic of China, which has consistently supported Trump. He has repeatedly stated the importance of US readiness for a possible conflict in the Asia-Pacific region.
The position does not require Senate confirmation, so Waltz is directly responsible for briefing Trump on national security matters and coordinating actions between government agencies. Known as a critic of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in 2021, Waltz is optimistic about Trump's approach to foreign policy, calling him a "destroyer" who can change established habits in the Pentagon.
Waltz's political career includes experience working with Defense Secretaries Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates. As of 2018, he is a member of Congress. He chairs the House Military Logistics Subcommittee, sits on the Intelligence Committee, and is a member of the Republican Caucus on China.
Waltz is convinced that the US should strengthen its combat readiness in the Pacific region.
