WSJ: Trump's cabinet picks include Special Forces veteran for national security adviser

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Representative Mike Waltz as his National Security Adviser, sources familiar with the matter reported on November 11. 

This decision would elevate two prominent Florida Republicans, both of whom hold more hawkish foreign policy views than Trump, who campaigned on a platform focused on reducing US military involvement overseas, Caliber.Az reports per The Washington Post.

Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, has long been a staunch advocate for confronting autocratic regimes worldwide. While he initially embraced a neoconservative stance on foreign policy, particularly with regards to Latin America and the Middle East, he has tempered his views in recent years, especially on issues like economics, immigration, and military spending.

As vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Rubio has become a significant figure in foreign policy discussions. If confirmed as Secretary of State, Rubio would play a key role in shaping and promoting Trump’s "America First" foreign policy.

Notably, Mike Waltz, a retired Special Forces officer and former aide to Vice President Dick Cheney, is one of the most vocal critics of China in Congress. Known for his tough stance on national security, Waltz has consistently advocated for a strong US military presence abroad, including in Afghanistan and Ukraine. He has been a fierce critic of President Joe Biden’s handling of the war in Ukraine, the fall of Afghanistan, and NATO’s defense spending shortfalls. If nominated, Waltz would oversee the coordination of national security policy across the US government.

Despite their traditionally hawkish positions, both Rubio and Waltz have, in recent years, aligned some of their foreign policy views with Trump, particularly on the war in Ukraine. Rubio has echoed Trump’s scepticism about European defense spending, suggesting that European nations should take a greater role in securing their own defense. Meanwhile, Waltz has shifted his focus to questioning NATO’s role in the conflict and advocating for more action from European allies.

This nomination could signal potential internal tensions within the Trump administration, similar to the challenges faced during his first term, as Trump has often clashed with hawkish advisers. However, both Rubio and Waltz are expected to align with Trump’s broader vision, especially on reducing the US military footprint in certain parts of the world.

By Aghakazim Guliyev