Waltz is a “nationally recognized leader in the field of national security,” Trump said on Tuesday, justifying this important personnel decision. The representative from the state of Florida is an “expert on the threats from China, Russia, Iran and global terrorism,” said Trump. He is a strong supporter of “my ‘America First’ foreign policy agenda” and “our pursuit of peace through strength.”
The 50-year-old Waltz is a former officer in the US elite Green Berets unit. In his career to date, he has worked as an advisor to the White House and the Pentagon. In his recently published book, Waltz wrote that the United States is in an “existential” struggle with the Chinese Communist Party. At a speech last month, he expressed concern about a “1930s-style military buildup in Nazi Germany” taking place in China.
Image gallery: Donald Trump brings these hardliners into his team
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Meanwhile, the former governor of the US state of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, is to become the new US ambassador to Israel. Trump further explained that he had nominated the 69-year-old for the position. Huckabee will “work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.”
“He loves Israel and the Israeli people, and the Israeli people love him too,” continued the statement from the Republican former president, who won re-election last week and will be sworn in for a second term on January 20th. Mike Huckabee is the father of current Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served as Trump’s spokeswoman during his first term in office.
Trump’s Republicans are staunch Israel supporters. During the election campaign, the right-wing populist accused incumbent Joe Biden of failing in his policies to protect the country, most recently in the Iranian missile attack on Israel on October 1st.
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**Interview with National Security Expert and Author, Representative Michael Waltz**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Representative Waltz. With your recent appointment as a national security advisor under President Trump, how do you feel about the responsibilities you will be taking on?
**Michael Waltz:** Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be in a position that allows me to serve the country, particularly at a time when national security is paramount. I’m committed to ensuring that our policies reflect an “America First” approach, focusing on the threats we face from China, Russia, Iran, and global terrorism.
**Editor:** In your recent book, you spoke about the existential struggle with the Chinese Communist Party. Can you elaborate on that?
**Michael Waltz:** Absolutely. We are witnessing a significant shift in global power dynamics, with China increasingly asserting itself through aggressive military posturing and expansionism. It is crucial that we recognize this as a threat and develop strategies to counter it effectively, reminiscent of the vigilance we should have maintained during the prelude to World War II.
**Editor:** You also expressed concerns regarding China’s military buildup. What are the specific actions the U.S. should take in response?
**Michael Waltz:** We need to bolster our military readiness and enhance our alliances in the Indo-Pacific. This means increased military presence in the region, greater intelligence-sharing with allies, and ensuring that our defense capabilities can deter any potential aggression. We also need to engage economically with our partners to counter Chinese influence.
**Editor:** Shifting gears, what are your thoughts on the nomination of Mike Huckabee as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel?
**Michael Waltz:** I believe Mike Huckabee will bring a strong voice for Israel and strengthen ties between our two nations. His support for Israel is well-known and can foster deeper cooperative efforts in seeking peace in the Middle East. Both countries face significant threats, and a robust partnership is vital.
**Editor:** Lastly, as you step into this role, what message do you hope to communicate about U.S. foreign policy?
**Michael Waltz:** The message is clear: we are committed to a foreign policy that prioritizes American interests while promoting stability and security globally. We will pursue peace through strength, ensuring that our adversaries understand that the United States stands firm against threats to our nation and our allies.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Representative Waltz. We look forward to seeing how your leadership will shape national security moving forward.
**Michael Waltz:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time, and I’m ready to get to work.