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| ▲ This file photo, released by Reuters, shows Rep. Michael Waltz (FL) gesturing on Day 3 of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 17, 2024. (Yonhap) |
Trump-national security advisor
Trump officially names Rep. Mike Waltz as his national security advisor
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump officially named Florida Rep. Mike Waltz as his national security advisor on Tuesday, saying the Green Beret veteran will be a "tremendous" champion of his incoming administration's pursuit of "peace through strength."
Trump made the announcement a day after he was reported to have offered the White House advisor post to Waltz, a veteran who served 27 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard with multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa.
His pick for the high-profile post comes as U.S. allies and partners have been keenly watching the formation of Trump's security and foreign policy team for clues to how Trump would handle relations with U.S. allies and partners and tackle regional and global security challenges. The national security advisor position does not require Senate confirmation.
"I am honored to announce that Congressman Mike Waltz (R-FL) is hereby appointed to serve in my Cabinet as my National Security Advisor," Trump said in a statement sent to reporters.
He added, "Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda, and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!"
Waltz has been seen as a staunch supporter of Trump as he has aligned himself with the president-elect on key issues, including illegal immigration, the United States' support for Ukraine and North Atlantic Treaty Organization members' contributions to collective defense.
When it comes to China, Waltz is known as one of the most hawkish congressional members. He called for a full U.S. boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and maintained a hard-line stance on human rights issues in China.
He is the first Green Beret to be elected to Congress, and a former White House and Pentagon policy advisor.
Waltz is expected to play an influential role in carrying out Trump's "America First" policy agenda that would could put pressure on U.S. allies and partners to do more for their security and reduce costly U.S. involvement in overseas affairs.
Having graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, Waltz served 27 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard. As a Special Forces officer, he served in multiple tours in conflict zones, including Afghanistan.
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