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Trump is asking Rep. Mike Waltz to be his national security adviser

Trump appoints Mike Waltz as national security adviser

Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida has been offered the role of national security adviser in the next Trump administration, a source confirmed to Fox News Digital.

WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump has asked U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to become his national security adviser, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Monday.

The decision to move forward came despite growing concerns in Congress about Trump picking members from the House of Representatives, where the final tally is still unclear. Lawmakers fear losing GOP representatives because it would trigger a special election to fill their vacated seats. The source spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter ahead of Trump's official announcement.

This appointment would place Waltz amid numerous national security challenges, including ongoing efforts to support Ukraine with military aid, rising tensions over strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea, ongoing attacks by Iranian-backed forces in the Middle East, and the push for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah.

Who is Michael Waltz?

Waltz, a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida, was the first Green Beret elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and easily won re-election last week. He served as chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee and as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mike Waltz speaks on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Waltz is an ardent Trump supporter who supported efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He is seen as hawkish against China and has called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing over the country's involvement in the emergence of COVID-19 and ongoing mistreatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority.

He was a strong critic of the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan and called on the US to hold accountable those who claimed responsibility for the deaths of the 13 US soldiers at Abbey Gate and for “thousands of Americans and allies behind enemy lines.” carry. “

Appointment of Elise Stefanik as Ambassador to the United Nations

Waltz is the second House lawmaker selected for an administration role, joining House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. Accepted Trump's appointment as ambassador to the United Nations on Monday.

Both Stefanik and Waltz are members of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

“It is my great honor to receive President Trump’s nomination to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in his Cabinet. During my conversation with President Trump, I shared with him how committed I am to accepting his nomination and that I look forward to the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate,” Stefanik said in her statement Acceptance of nomination.

“The work ahead is immense as we see anti-Semitism skyrocketing, coupled with four years of disastrously weak U.S. leadership that has significantly weakened our national security and weakened our standing in the eyes of allies and adversaries. I stand ready to lead the restoration of President Donald J. Trump.” of America First peace through strong leadership on the world stage on day one at the United Nations.

Like Waltz, Stefanik's district in upstate New York is a safe Republican stronghold.

Trump appoints Susie Wiles as chief of staff

Last week Trump picked Susie Wiles as his chief of staff. Wiles is the first woman to ever hold this influential role.

Wiles is widely recognized inside and outside Trump's inner circle for having run by far his most disciplined and well-executed campaign and was considered the best contender for the position. She largely avoided the spotlight and even refused to take the microphone to speak as Trump celebrated his victory early Wednesday morning.

RELATED: Who is Susie Wiles, Trump's new White House chief of staff?

“Susie is tough, smart, innovative and widely admired and respected. Susie will continue to work tirelessly to Make America Great Again,” Trump said in a statement. “It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud.”

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