Trump Picks Green Beret for Adviser, National Security Does Push-Ups

Trump Picks Green Beret for Adviser, National Security Does Push-Ups

4 minute read
Published: 11/14/2024

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former Green Beret and Florida Rep. Mike Waltz as his national security adviser, proving that sometimes you need a soldier to consider if a war is really necessary.

With a military resume as impressive as his collection of Bronze Stars and a critique of 'woke' Pentagon initiatives, Waltz's selection underscores Trump's return to a defense-first approach amid growing international tensions. Waltz, who doesn't need Senate confirmation to don the adviser hat, has already made waves with his stances on Ukraine aid and NATO spending, positioning himself as a formidable voice in an unsettling geopolitical landscape.

Waltz's background may read like a recruiting poster for the Green Berets, as he served in various national security roles during the George W. Bush administration. Not only did he carry out missions that would make any action hero proud, but he also somehow managed to sneak into Congress. He is, in fact, the first Green Beret ever elected to the legislative body—though one has to wonder if he took a secret route through the special ops career fair.

In his new role, Waltz has already voiced his clear disapproval of the Biden administration's foreign policy, especially when it comes to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. One could say he has a flair for dramatic, albeit consistent, criticism, making it evident that his views are less about subtle diplomacy and more about calling things as he sees them. With a penchant for advocating increased defense spending from NATO allies, it seems he believes that allies can shoulder more burdens while entertaining a drink or two with a side of skepticism regarding U.S. aid to Ukraine.

While the rest of the world may feel the strain of managing their own citizens, Waltz's position on NATO hints at an energetic—perhaps even combative—approach from the U.S. One wonders how long it will take before he starts charging for admission to his national security strategy seminars, where the first lesson is likely: ‘If you can complain loudly enough, you can get someone else's wallet.’

As a member of the House Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence committees, Waltz holds a dicey bag of responsibilities that puts him right in the crosshairs of policy enforcement. Let's not forget his leadership in the Veterans For Trump coalition during the 2024 campaign, which surely ranks high on his achievements ladder. It seems that he embodies the saying, 'You can take the man out of the field, but you can't take the field out of the man,' or something to that effect.

Though his achievements both in the field and on Capitol Hill include four Bronze Stars—two awarded for valor—Waltz hasn’t shied away from controversy. Notably, he has openly advocated for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing because, apparently, playing sports isn't a valid excuse to overlook grand political issues. He's become something of a trendsetter; after all, it’s not every day you see someone suggest skipping an international sporting event due to concerns about geopolitical rivalries.

On top of all this, Waltz has stirred the pot with his critique of Pentagon diversity initiatives, labeling them as 'woke.' One can only imagine his reaction when introduced to a diversity training program—may we suggest a safety briefing first? It seems Waltz is determined to clear the uniform while shaking things up, with previous training sessions being far less of a debate and more of a martial arts demonstration alternately featuring verbal uppercuts and policy roundhouse kicks.

All these elements culminate in Waltz's personal life, where professional dedication intermingles with familial bonds. His wife, Julia Nesheiwat, has held a position as Trump's Homeland Security adviser, leading to speculation that their dinner conversations are a blend of tactical planning and a pinch of family feuds over the best defense budget allocations.

In summary, as Waltz prepares to navigate his role as Trump's national security adviser, it’s safe to say he comes equipped with contours of military precision and a critique-laden arsenal. Whether he can successfully integrate his experiences from the battlefield into the Washington milieu remains to be seen. As Trump's administration gears up to address pressing international issues, one hopes that Waltz can resist the urge to challenge foreign leaders to push-up contests—though it would certainly test their resolve.