TAIPEI (TVBS News) — U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reportedly asked Rep. Mike Waltz to serve as National Security Advisor, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday (Nov. 11). The position does not require Senate confirmation, and should Waltz accept, he would be coordinating national security affairs globally, potentially influencing U.S. foreign policy.
Waltz, known for his strong stance on China, has supported Taiwan and called for its accelerated armament. The 50-year-old former Special Services officer served in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa as a Green Beret before transitioning to a role as a defense policy leader at the Department of Defense.
Elected in 2018 as a Florida congressman, Waltz has frequently criticized China's military expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2022, Waltz visited Taiwan and expressed opposition to Chinese aggression on "X," congratulating Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on his presidential election victory.
Trump has also invited former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, indicating a swift rollback of Biden administration environmental policies. The Wall Street Journal noted that Trump's cabinet selections prioritize "unconditional loyalty," addressing previous conflicts with officials over policy execution.
Observers will closely watch how Waltz's appointment might shape U.S. strategies in Taiwan and the broader Asia-Pacific region, potentially setting the tone for upcoming diplomatic engagements.