National Security Advisor (NSA)

Michael Waltz

Responsibilities

As the 29th U.S. National Security Advisor, Waltz is a key aide to President Donald Trump, advising him on national security issues and foreign policy. In his new role, Waltz leads the National Security Council, which is tasked with coordinating multiple federal agencies. Historically, the job of the NSA can be either high or low profile, but it demands quick pivots and cool-headed thinking under the threat of any volatilities. Perhaps the most well-known NSA remains Henry Kissinger, who left an indelible mark on U.S. foreign policy while serving under President Richard Nixon (1969 – 1976).

Quote

“Iran will continue to stoke unrest because they want to destroy Israel. Making concession after concession to Iran is actually what is destabilizing the situation.” 

Stated Priorities

• A strong proponent of the “America First foreign policy agenda,” set by the president. 
• A staunch supporter of Israel.
• Looking to overhaul the National Security Council, which includes reducing the number of career government personnel. 

• Expected to bring a more “hawk-like” position toward China. In the past, Waltz has expressed concerns over its “military buildup.” 

• Assume a more offensive stance in dealing with the U.S. southern border, calling the situation “untenable for our law enforcement personnel.”  
• Share any military support for Ukraine with equal assistance from Europe. 

Political Career

• A three-term Republican congressman (2019 to 2025), Waltz succeeded Ron DeSantis for Florida’s 6th congressional district.
• Chaired the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness for the 118th Congress. Resigned to assume the role of NSA.
• Served on the House Intelligence Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
• Co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans during the 118th Congress, with Waltz calling India “the world’s largest democracy and an important strategic partner for the United States.”
• Co-sponsored legislation in 2023 that called for military force against the cartels in Mexico, citing the high level of drugs flowing into the U.S.   
• Called for a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing over human rights issues. 

Military Service

The first Green Beret elected to Congress, Waltz served in the Army and National Guard for 27 years, retiring as colonel in the Army Special Forces. He was deployed to Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa while on active duty (1996-2000), and served in the National Guard (2000-2025). 

Business/Private Sector

• CEO and co-founder of defense contractor Metis Solutions (2010) that was purchased in 2020 by Pacific Architects and Engineers.
• Co-founded Askari Associates, an international consulting firm.
• Founded the Sumar Ghul Foundation, which cares for the families of fallen Afghan National Army soldiers.
• Senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
• Provided commentary on counter-terrorism and other issues for Fox News, CNN, BBC World News, PBS Frontline, and Voice of America.
• Authored the 2014 book, “Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret’s Battles from Washington to Afghanistan”, among others.

Public Service

Prior to joining the private sector, Waltz worked in the Bush administration, serving as defense policy director for Secretaries of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates. He also served as a counterterrorism advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney and helped create a funding and strategy for counternarcotics in Afghanistan and South Asia while working in the office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics.

Background

Early Years

Michael George Glen Waltz was born in Boynton Beach, FL, on January 31, 1974, and was raised in Jacksonville by his mother. Both his father and grandfather were chiefs in the Navy.

Education

Graduated from Virginia Military Institute with a B.A degree in International Studies. Named an honor graduate. 

Personal

In 2021, Waltz married Julia Nesheiwat, an American academic and a former military intelligence officer. During the span of her career, she has held senior national security and economic policy positions under the administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, becoming his 10th Homeland Security Advisor in 2021. She and Waltz live in Boynton Beach. 

Awards

Waltz received four Bronze Stars while serving in the Special Forces during combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa.