Michael Waltz tapped as Trump’s national security advisor, focusing on China, Russia

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has selected Florida Congressman and former special forces veteran Michael Waltz as his national security advisor, marking a significant choice for the administration’s foreign policy leadership amid global tensions, reports indicated Monday.

Waltz, known for his critical stance on China, is expected to advise the Trump administration on strategic approaches to multiple international conflicts, including the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Lebanon and Gaza.

The New York Times and CNN, citing unnamed sources, reported Waltz’s impending appointment, highlighting his background as a strong advocate for leveraging economic and diplomatic pressure over military engagement.

At the Republican National Convention in July, Waltz commended Trump, calling for “peace through America’s strength,” underscoring a foreign policy doctrine emphasizing power projection and economic sanctions.

In recent remarks on the war in Ukraine, Waltz suggested an alternative to continued direct financial support, proposing instead economic and diplomatic strategies to end the conflict. “You could win this economically,” he told CNN on election night, referring to sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, which he has previously criticized as a “gas station with nukes.”

In his recent book, “Hard Truths: Think and Lead Like a Green Beret”, Waltz advocated for expanding U.S. oil production to flood the global market, a tactic aimed at reducing Russia’s energy revenues.

Beyond Ukraine, Waltz has repeatedly expressed concern over what he perceives as a rising military threat from China, calling it an “existential struggle” with the Chinese Communist Party.

Last month, speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, he characterized China’s military buildup as resembling “1930s-era, Nazi Germany-style” preparations, a statement reflecting his longstanding view of China as the central security challenge to U.S. interests.

Waltz’s position on U.S. foreign policy extends to his critique of President Joe Biden’s 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, which he called “a stain on our national conscience.” At the convention, he praised Trump’s pledge to declassify documents related to the Afghanistan exit, a move that Waltz believes will hold the Biden administration accountable.

With nearly three decades of military service, including deployment in Afghanistan, Waltz brings both military and legislative experience to the role, serving on the Armed Services, Intelligence, and Foreign Affairs committees in the House of Representatives.

His selection signals Trump’s intent to prioritize a robust approach to national security, especially in dealings with China and Russia.