Former Green Beret Mike Waltz Tapped to Be Trump’s National Security Advisor

You’ve probably heard by now that President-elect Donald Trump has selected Representative Michael Waltz of Florida as his National Security Advisor, a move that brings a seasoned Special Forces veteran and experienced policymaker into a pivotal role within the administration. 

Personally, I couldn’t be more thrilled. First off, he’s my Congressman, representing Florida’s Sixth District. He took over for Ron DeSantis when DeSantis became the 46th governor of Florida. Secondly, I had the honor of meeting Waltz in my hometown of DeLand during a Republican meet and greet a while back. He’s a good guy, quite down to Earth. An ordinary citizen and an outstanding soldier. He’ll do a fantastic job as President Trump’s National Security Advisor.

A Distinguished Military Career

Michael Waltz’s military background is both extensive and distinguished. Commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduating from the Virginia Military Institute, he attended Ranger School, went on to earn his Green Beret, and served multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. Over his 27-year career in the U.S. Army and National Guard, Waltz was awarded four Bronze Stars, including two for valor, underscoring his leadership and bravery in the field. Waltz was the first Special Forces soldier to serve in Congress. 

In Afghanistan, he was involved in the hunt for deserter Bowe Bergdahl; we won’t talk about that guy today.

Waltz retired from the National Guard as a Colonel during his second term in Congress.

Transition to Policy and Politics

Following his active-duty service, Waltz transitioned to roles within the Pentagon and the White House, serving as a defense policy director and as a counterterrorism advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney. During his tenure, Waltz has been a vocal advocate on national security issues, particularly concerning the threats posed by China and Iran. 

Inspired by his time in the service, Waltz went on to write Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret’s Battles from Washington to Afghanistan.

The Role of National Security Advisor

The U.S. National Security Advisor plays a crucial role in guiding the President on national security and foreign policy matters. They provide key insights and recommendations to help the President navigate complex security challenges. One of their main responsibilities is ensuring a fair and transparent process for presenting diverse policy options. This helps the President make well-informed decisions based on a range of perspectives.

They also manage the decision-making process, making sure all realistic policy options are thoroughly evaluated. Coordination is essential, as they work with various agencies to align actions and decisions, especially when the President or Vice President is unavailable. Another key duty is overseeing the implementation of the President’s decisions. They ensure that the directives from senior leadership are carried out effectively across the government.

Leading the National Security Council staff is a major part of the job. Over time, the NSC has grown into a significant organization within the White House, and the advisor plays a critical role in managing its operations.
During national security crises, the advisor often takes the lead in managing the government’s response. They provide steady guidance during times of uncertainty and high stakes. As a Special Forces officer, Waltz has done this before, albeit not on a national level.

Building trust across national security agencies is another important aspect of the role. The advisor fosters strong working relationships to ensure smooth interagency collaboration. Waltz will serve as a confidential counselor to the President, offering private advice while maintaining a low public profile. Much of this role happens behind closed doors.

In recent years, their responsibilities have expanded to include bridging domestic and foreign policy issues. They address both traditional security threats and emerging challenges, adapting to the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Alignment with Trump’s Foreign Policy Vision

Implications for U.S. National Security

If Representative Michael Waltz is confirmed as National Security Advisor for President-elect Donald Trump, buckle up. Waltz isn’t one to tread lightly on national security issues, and his track record suggests he’ll bring some serious heat to Trump’s second term. Here’s what that could look like.

Turning Up the Heat on China

As noted, Waltz is a known China hawk, which means the already tense US-China relationship could get even more strained. Expect a no-nonsense approach to countering Chinese influence worldwide, with a heavy focus on military readiness in the Indo-Pacific. He’s not the type to let Beijing push its weight around without a fight, which could lead to heightened tensions and a more aggressive stance on everything from trade to Taiwan.

Rethinking Ukraine and Russia

When it comes to Ukraine, Waltz has been pretty clear—he’s skeptical about endless US military aid. That could mean a pivot toward pushing for a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Don’t be surprised if there’s a noticeable reduction in aid packages for Kyiv, coupled with a more hard-nosed approach to dealing with Moscow.

Pushing NATO to Pull Its Weight

Waltz supports NATO but has no patience for freeloaders. Like Trump, he’ll likely keep the pressure on allies to up their defense spending. This could lead to some uncomfortable conversations in Europe about who’s paying their fair share. At the same time, expect a cold, hard look at which alliances are pulling their weight and which ones might need a rethink.

Middle East Strategy: All-In on Israel, Tough on Iran

In the Middle East, Waltz has consistently backed Israel and taken a hardline stance on Iran. That means US policy in the region will probably stay laser-focused on supporting Israel and countering Iranian influence. Don’t rule out increased sanctions or even more direct confrontations with Iran’s proxy networks.

A Fighting Force, Not a Social Experiment

Waltz’s background as a Green Beret and vocal criticism of what he calls a “woke” military means he’ll likely push for a return to traditional combat readiness. Training and priorities could shift back to sharpening the spear, with less focus on diversity initiatives and more on battlefield performance.

Boosting Naval Power

One of Waltz’s priorities has been expanding the US Navy. As an advocate for increased shipbuilding, he could drive a significant boost in naval capabilities, which means more money flowing into shipyards and a stronger maritime presence to counter threats at sea.

Militarizing Domestic Security

Waltz has also expressed support for using military resources to tackle domestic challenges like border security and drug cartels. This could lead to a more militarized approach at the border, with potential cross-border operations targeting cartel networks in Mexico.

Reassessing Afghanistan

As a vocal critic of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Waltz might push for a reevaluation of America’s counterterrorism strategies in the region. Don’t count out the possibility of renewed engagement if he sees a need to stamp out terrorist threats before they reach US soil.

America First, Round Two

Waltz’s appointment would likely signal a return to Trump’s “America First” approach. This means foreign policy decisions will center on what directly benefits the US, with less concern for global consensus or diplomacy for diplomacy’s sake. Allies could find themselves in more transactional relationships, where loyalty and contributions are expected in return for US support.

In short, with Waltz at the helm, expect a muscular, no-nonsense approach to national security. The gloves are off, and the focus will be on protecting and advancing US interests, both at home and abroad.