**Trump Appoints Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser**

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Florida Representative Mike Waltz as his national security adviser. The role, which does not require Senate confirmation due to its non-cabinet status, will see Waltz influence U.S. policies on international conflicts such as the Ukrainian war and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Waltz, a veteran Army Green Beret and a staunch Trump supporter, has emerged as a significant critic of China in his time in Congress. Since his election in 2018, he has spearheaded efforts to decrease U.S. dependence on Chinese critical minerals and protect American academic institutions from espionage.

As a third-term congressman, Waltz has served on key House committees focused on military intelligence and foreign affairs. He also played a role on the House task force investigating assassination attempts against Trump during the 2024 campaign.

In a recent NPR interview, Waltz discussed the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine through diplomatic means. He expressed confidence that enforcing energy sanctions and boosting U.S. energy exports could push Russian President Vladimir Putin towards negotiation. Waltz emphasized that measures such as removing limitations on long-range weapons provided to Ukraine could serve as leverage.

Beyond immediate geopolitical conflicts, Waltz’s appointment could signal a shift in the relationship between the Pentagon and Silicon Valley. He highlighted the need for a cultural change within the defense establishment to better integrate new technologies from Silicon Valley into U.S. defense strategies.

With a 27-year military career including multiple combat tours in regions such as Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa, Waltz brings seasoned experience to his new role. His leadership could drive significant changes in national security policies and defense dynamics moving forward.