Donald Trump picked Florida rep Mike Waltz - a well-known China-focused lawmaker to lead his security team when he returns to power in early-25. This choice brings up questions about US-UK relations and military presence worldwide
The ex-Green Beret doesnt like UKʼs plan to give up control of Chagos Islands: a deal that happened just last month. Back in late-22 he wrote a strong-worded message to top US officials (showing his worry about China getting too close to Diego Garcia air-base)
Should the UK cede control of the Chagos to Mauritius‚ I have no doubt that China will take advantage of the resulting vacuum
Waltz has clear ideas about NATO spending; he wants allies to pay their share. In his recent think-tank video he talked about celebrating countries that spend enough on defense - which means 2% of GDP; while others need a push to do better
The soon-to-be security chief brings solid background to the job:
- First Green Beret elected to Congress
- Worked with Donald Rumsfeld after 9-11
- Strong views on military bases world-wide
- Known for direct approach to international deals
While Keir Starmer meets with French leader Macron to keep supporting Ukraine; Trump says heʼll fix that war quick - showing how Waltz might need to balance different views when he starts his job in couple months