Trump taps Mike Waltz to be national security adviser

(Washington) President-elect Donald Trump has tapped U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, a retired National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, a source familiar with the matter said Monday.

The approval came despite simmering concerns on Capitol Hill over Mr. Trump’s handpicking of House members, where the final tally is still uncertain and there are fears of removing Republican Party members from the chamber. as this would force a new election to fill the vacant seat.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter before Mr. Trump makes a formal announcement.

The move would put Michael Waltz at the forefront of a litany of national security crises — ranging from continued efforts to supply weapons to Ukraine and escalating concerns about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran’s proxies and the push for a ceasefire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah.