WHO is WHO- Mike Waltz: Security Expert and Trump’s National Security Advisor

Mike Waltz, an American politician and former military officer, has been appointed National Security Advisor in Donald Trump’s new administration. On his platform Truth Social, Trump highlighted Waltz’s 27 years of service in the U.S. Army Special Forces, during which he participated in multiple combat missions and earned four medals. Trump described Waltz as “a recognized leader in national security and an expert on threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, and global terrorism.”

"Mike has been a strong supporter of my 'America First' foreign policy agenda and will be a great collaborator in our pursuit of peace through strength," said the President-elect.

Military and Political Career

Waltz is a member of the Republican Party, representing Florida’s 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019. Before entering politics, he served as a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, gaining recognition for his involvement in missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. He is the first Green Beret elected to Congress.

Waltz is known for advocating a hardline stance against China and for calling for a recalibration of U.S. support for Ukraine. In Congress, he has focused on countering China and reducing dependence on Chinese resources. While supporting aid to Ukraine, he has emphasized accountability for how American taxpayer money is spent.

Last year, he wrote in a Fox News op-ed: “The era of blank checks for Ukraine in Congress is over,” urging European nations to contribute more.

Stance on the Balkans

Waltz has commented on global security and international relations but has not specifically focused on the Western Balkans. His statements on the region have primarily involved NATO expansion, advocating that every country should have the opportunity to join the Alliance, provided there is “serious engagement in resolving regional tensions and commitments to peace and stability.”

He has also criticized Russia’s policy in the Balkans and its efforts to expand influence in the region. Waltz supports a stronger U.S. military presence in the Balkans, asserting that Russia is a "key destabilizing factor in Eastern Europe and the Balkans."

Controversies

As both a politician and a former military officer, Waltz has been linked to several controversies. One involves his connections to private military contractors. Media reports have indicated he served as an advisor to private companies specializing in security and military equipment, raising concerns among critics about potential conflicts of interest in his Congressional decisions on military matters.

He has also faced criticism for his strong focus on combating Islamic terrorism, which some argue prioritizes military solutions over diplomatic or alternative conflict-resolution strategies.

Personal Life

Waltz was born in Boynton Beach, Florida, and grew up in Jacksonville. He earned a degree in International Studies from the Virginia Military Institute and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

He is married to Julia Nesheiwat, a former military intelligence officer who also served as a National Security Advisor. Nesheiwat was the 10th Homeland Security Advisor during Trump’s administration from 2020 to 2021 and previously served in the Bush and Obama administrations.