Trump to Appoint China Critics Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz to Key Roles

Trump Expected to Appoint China Critics Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz

President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly chosen two prominent China critics for key positions in his upcoming administration. Senator Marco Rubio is expected to be appointed as Secretary of State, while Congressman Mike Waltz is likely to become National Security Adviser.

Marco Rubio’s Expected Appointment as Secretary of State

Rubio, known for his hawkish stance on China, Iran, and Cuba, is the most assertive choice on Trump’s shortlist for Secretary of State. Although initially a critic of Trump, Rubio has softened some of his positions over the years to align with Trump’s more restrained foreign policy approach. Trump, who has criticized previous administrations for leading the U.S. into “costly and futile wars,” prefers a less interventionist approach.

Rubio, a former presidential candidate who once challenged Trump in the 2016 primaries, has remained a trusted foreign policy advisor to the president-elect. If appointed, he would be the first Latino Secretary of State, marking a historic moment in American diplomacy. Sources indicate that Trump’s decision is nearly final, though he is known for making last-minute changes.

Shift in Republican Foreign Policy

Rubio’s expected appointment signals a broader shift within the Republican Party under Trump’s influence. While the GOP has traditionally supported a muscular foreign policy, Trump and his allies now advocate for restraint, particularly in Europe, where they feel allies should contribute more to their defense. In a recent interview, Rubio stated that a negotiated settlement is the likely path forward for the Ukraine conflict, reflecting this pragmatic approach.

Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser

Florida Congressman Mike Waltz, a decorated Green Beret and former Pentagon adviser, is expected to be named Trump’s National Security Adviser. Waltz has consistently voiced concerns over China’s military expansion in the Asia-Pacific and emphasized the need for U.S. preparedness in the region.

Elected to Congress in 2018, Waltz represents east-central Florida, including Daytona Beach, and recently secured re-election. His military background, with multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and service as a policy adviser to Defense Secretaries Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates, adds significant experience to his profile. Waltz has also been a vocal critic of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, urging President Biden to consider redeployment to protect Afghan civilians.

Waltz’s defense policy experience includes roles as a counter-terrorism adviser and managing a defense contracting firm in Afghanistan, underscoring his commitment to U.S. national security and international alliances.

Additional Appointments: Kristi Noem for Homeland Security

In other appointment news, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is expected to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Noem, who was previously considered a potential vice-presidential candidate, will bring her state-level leadership experience to this national role.

Challenges Ahead for Independent Journalism

With Trump returning to office, there are growing concerns about press freedom. During his previous term, Trump frequently labeled journalists as “enemies of the people,” raising fears about potential restrictions on media operations. His second term blueprint, Project 2025, reportedly includes measures that could impact the independence of journalism by allowing greater access to journalists’ communications.

This political climate calls for courageous, well-funded independent journalism to hold Trump and his administration accountable for decisions affecting democracy, environmental policy, and global alliances. Independent media will play a critical role in upholding transparency and freedom of the press amid the unique challenges of a second Trump presidency.

This report includes contributions from Reuters.

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