Critic Of China And Biden Becomes US National Security Advisor In Donald Trump Administration

Florida Congressman Mike Waltz has reportedly been selected by US President-elect Donald Trump as the incoming National Security Advisor, according to sources cited by the Associated Press on Monday.

Known for his stance on strengthening US-India defense and security ties, Waltz is also a leader of the India Caucus and has extensive experience with deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East, where he was awarded the Bronze Star, among other honors. Previously, he served as an Afghanistan policy advisor at the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

As the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Waltz strongly criticized President Biden's handling of the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, specifically pointing to the large cache of weapons left behind. A staunch Trump supporter, he has also echoed Trump’s concerns about a "woke" military, focusing on perceived weaknesses stemming from inclusivity programs.

Waltz has been vocal on China-related issues, opposing practices like intellectual property theft and unfair trade, while advocating for policies to reduce US reliance on Chinese manufacturing.

In addition, he was a proponent of a US boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing to protest China’s treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority and its alleged role in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The appointment places Waltz at the center of critical US security concerns, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and growing ties between Russia and North Korea. As Trump draws from House members for key roles, the selection has also raised questions on Capitol Hill, as a vacancy in the House would require a special election.