### Trump Taps Rubio and Waltz for Key National Security Positions

Donald Trump has decided to appoint two prominent Florida Republicans to significant roles in his administration, leaning towards a more aggressive foreign policy approach than his previously advertised "America First" stance. Trump intends to nominate Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Congressman Mike Waltz as his National Security Adviser. These selections suggest a shift towards a hawkish national security strategy under Trump’s direction.

Marco Rubio, a staunch foreign policy hawk, has a history of hardline positions on countries like China, Iran, and Venezuela. His early criticisms of China have paved the way for bipartisan skepticism towards Beijing in Washington. Rubio also co-chaired the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, showcasing his firm stance on international issues. His views on Ukraine, however, seem more adaptable to Trump’s critical perspective on prolonged U.S. funding for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Having voted against a $61 billion supplemental aid bill for Ukraine, Rubio has expressed the need to conclude what he sees as a "stalemate war" to prevent the country from regressing a century.

The selection of Rubio marks a significant reconciliation between him and Trump, who had previously mocked him as "Little Marco" during the presidential primaries. Despite past animosities, Rubio has become a loyal ally, and his collaborative work with both parties in the Senate suggests he might secure an easy confirmation for the Secretary of State position.

Mike Waltz, a retired Green Beret and known China hawk, has been chosen as the National Security Adviser. Waltz advocates for a swift resolution to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine to reallocate U.S. military focus towards the Indo-Pacific and counter China. This aligns with Trump’s leanings towards ending prolonged foreign engagements and emphasizing strategic pressure on adversaries like China and Russia.

In a co-authored article for the Economist, Waltz emphasized using economic leverage and increasing military aid to push Russia towards negotiating an end to the conflict in Ukraine. He also suggested a robust strategy to curb Iran’s support for terrorist proxies, underscoring the need to finalize military engagements in the Middle East and redirect strategic resources.

Both Rubio and Waltz seem poised to steer U.S. foreign policy towards a more assertive and confrontational stance, reflecting Trump’s evolving national security strategy. Their appointments signal a potential shift in how the United States might engage with both its allies and adversaries on the global stage.