Michael Waltz to be Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor

New Delhi, Nov 12: President-elect Donald Trump is expected to appoint Florida Congressman Michael Waltz as his National Security Advisor, according to BBC and other international news agencies quoting sources.

Waltz, a decorated veteran and staunch Trump ally, recently secured re-election for a third congressional term but is likely to vacate his seat for the White House role. This move marks an addition to Trump’s emerging national security team as he prepares for a return to office in January.

Waltz brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served multiple deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East. His military career includes accolades such as the Bronze Star, and his tenure as an Afghanistan policy adviser at the Pentagon under then-Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld solidifies his credentials.

A leading voice on U.S. defence policy, Waltz has consistently pushed for stronger U.S.-India security ties and advocated for reducing America’s reliance on Chinese minerals, a stance that aligns with Trump’s broader policy outlook.

The appointment of Waltz, alongside New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, comes at a delicate moment for the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

Both Waltz and Stefanik’s departures would narrow the already slim Republican majority, potentially complicating efforts to address urgent legislative priorities like the 2025 federal budget and the looming debt ceiling deadline on January 2, political analysts suggest.

Waltz will be at the helm of advising the President on critical national security issues. He is expected to navigate the ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the conflicts between Israel and Hamas and between Ukraine and Russia. His views on supporting Ukraine with increased oversight of U.S. taxpayer funds are likely to shape the administration’s approach as it grapples with mounting global challenges.