Donald Trump picks Michael Waltz for key national security adviser post

Donald Trump announced, Tuesday, November 12, the nomination of the elected Republican from Florida Michael Waltz, whom he presents as a “strong champion of [sa] vision of America first »to the eminently strategic position of national security advisor at the White House. Mr. Waltz will be responsible for keeping Donald Trump informed on key national security issues and coordinating the operation of specific federal agencies.

The Republican, who is shaping his administration after his resounding victory in the presidential election, presents in a press release this former special forces soldier as a “expert on the threats posed by China, Russia, Iran and global terrorism”.

Currently chairman of a House of Representatives subcommittee that oversees military logistics, Michael Waltz has a long-standing presence in Washington political circles. He was the director of defense policy for Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates at the Pentagon, before entering Congress in 2018.

Very critical of the administration of outgoing Democratic President Joe Biden over the chaotic withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in 2021, Mr. Waltz at the same time welcomed Donald Trump's positions on foreign policy.

He has criticized Beijing's activity in the Asia-Pacific and has expressed in the past the need for Washington to prepare for a potential conflict in the region, saying he believes the US military is currently not in a position to to face such a scenario.

Mike Huckabee to be US Ambassador to Israel

Regarding Ukraine, the Republican elected official indicated that his opinion had changed. After initially calling on the Biden administration to send more weapons to kyiv, he has since said the United States needs to reassess its goals. “Is it in America's interest to deploy time, money, resources, which we sorely need now in the Pacific? »he asked during an event organized in October.

Donald Trump also announced Tuesday his intention to nominate former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as US ambassador to Israel. “He adores Israel and the people of Israel, and reciprocally, the people of Israel adore him. Mike will work tirelessly to restore peace to the Middle East! »said the president-elect in a press release.