Trump’s Foreign Policy Team: Rubio and Waltz
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set to appoint Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser. These selections, although not yet finalized, reflect Trump’s overarching foreign policy priorities. Both Rubio and Waltz have emphasized a retrenchment of U.S. involvement abroad, advocating for a more isolationist stance while criticizing European nations for their insufficient defense spending, particularly within the NATO alliance.
Marco Rubio, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, has consistently argued that European countries should assume greater responsibility for their own defense. He articulated this viewpoint in an article for the American Conservative, where he stated that “Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are more than capable of managing their relationship with the nuclear-armed belligerent to their east.” This perspective aligns with a broader trend in Rubio’s foreign policy stance, which includes a hardline approach to adversaries such as Iran, China, and Cuba.
When addressing China, Rubio has called for heightened scrutiny of its influence on American technology and has been vocal about the dangers posed by Chinese social media platforms, notably TikTok. In a report released in September, he labeled China as “the most powerful adversary the U.S. has faced in living memory,” a characterization that has led to Beijing sanctioning him in response. Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Rubio supports Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s aggression, he has suggested that a resolution to the conflict is necessary.
On matters concerning the Middle East, Rubio has been a staunch supporter of Israel, labeling Hamas as “vicious animals” and criticizing U.S. officials advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. His views on U.S. aid reflect a complex stance; in April, he voted against a substantial $95 billion aid package aimed at supporting Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, citing a need for more focus on domestic issues such as border security. This position mirrors Trump’s own isolationist tendencies and indicates a move towards prioritizing national interests over international commitments.
Waltz for National Security
Mike Waltz, a Republican Congressman and retired Special Forces officer, emerges as Trump’s other key appointment in his national security team. Like Rubio, Waltz has been critical of China and expressed skepticism regarding European allies’ commitment to NATO defense spending. He has described the failure of less than half of NATO members to meet their defense goals as “pathetic.” Echoing Trump’s sentiments, Waltz has raised concerns about the sustainability of U.S. support for Ukraine, questioning whether it is reasonable for the U.S. to continue supplying the majority of military aid.
Although Waltz initially supported President Biden’s decision to provide weapons to Ukraine, he has increasingly aligned with Trump’s more cautious approach, urging other nations to bolster their own defenses rather than relying heavily on U.S. support. He has portrayed China as a significant beneficiary of the current geopolitical climate, warning that the U.S. must prepare for potential military conflicts in the region. Furthermore, Waltz has been an outspoken critic of President Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, advocating for a stronger U.S. military presence in the country based on his own experiences during multiple deployments.
