Trump Names Michael Waltz As National Security Advisor

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Representative Michael Waltz, a Florida congressman and colonel in the U.S. Army National Guard, as his national security advisor (NSA) for his second term. 

Waltz, a decorated Green Beret and veteran of combat zones in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa, is set to become the first former Green Beret to hold the role. The Green Berets are a specialized unit within the U.S. Army officially known as the United States Army Special Forces. They are highly trained for unconventional warfare, counter-terrorism, direct action, and special reconnaissance missions. Established in the 1950s, the unit is known for its demanding training program and the iconic green beret headgear they wear.

The appointment, initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, highlights Trump’s commitment to assembling an assertive, strategic team for his upcoming administration.

Waltz’s appointment signals a policy shift in national security priorities, especially with ongoing challenges in Ukraine, the Middle East, and with major powers like China and Iran. Trump’s recent statements suggest his team, with Waltz at the helm, will be tasked with reevaluating the U.S. position on these critical areas. 

As an influential Trump ally in Congress, Waltz has supported the former president’s foreign policy approach, particularly in voicing strong criticism of the Biden administration's 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal—a move he views as a turning point for U.S. credibility and a key factor in Biden’s lasting decline in approval ratings.

In addition to his decorated military service, Waltz has been a leading advocate for U.S.-India relations, seeing New Delhi as a critical partner in balancing China’s growing influence. Known as one of India’s strongest supporters in Washington, Waltz values the strategic alliance, especially in light of shared challenges with Beijing.

Waltz’s appointment brings an additional personal connection to Trump’s national security team, as his wife, Julia Nesheiwat, served as Trump’s homeland security advisor at the end of his first term. His experience as a combat veteran and a seasoned congressional voice on security issues positions him as a pivotal figure in Trump’s strategy for reshaping U.S. foreign policy.