Trump’s team makes two key picks signalling tougher stance on China and Iran, and potential US withdrawal from Europe | US News
The potential choices for secretary of state and national security advisor under Donald Trump’s administration suggest a tougher stance on China and Iran, as well as a shift in focus from European security to the Asia-Pacific region.
Marco Rubio, the senator from Florida, is widely speculated to be Trump’s pick for secretary of state, although this has not been confirmed yet.
Reports also indicate that Michael Waltz, a Republican congressman and former special forces soldier, will serve as Trump’s new national security advisor.
Both individuals are known for their hawkish foreign policy views, particularly regarding China as the biggest threat to the US. They advocate for shifting US resources from Europe to the Asia-Pacific region.
They are likely to view all foreign policy decisions in relation to China, believing that its power has expanded under Joe Biden.
Neither candidate supports ongoing US military and financial aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, preferring a diplomatic resolution with Vladimir Putin.
While Rubio has expressed that he is not on Russia’s side, he believes a negotiated settlement is the most likely outcome for the war in Ukraine.
Donald Trump with Marco Rubio during a campaign rally in November. Pic: AP
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If confirmed as the national security advisor, Mr. Waltz co-authored an article in The Economist outlining his strategy of utilizing economic pressure to bring Putin to the negotiating table regarding Ukraine.
He believes that offering to ease sanctions or providing more support to Kyiv could compel Putin to end the conflict.
Waltz, a former Green Beret with extensive military experience, aims to prevent Russia from claiming victory in Ukraine and advocates for a settlement that keeps Ukraine independent and aligned with the West.
Representative Mike Waltz at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Pic: Reuters
Germany, France, UK ‘more than capable’ without US
If Rubio becomes secretary of state, he will likely advocate for European NATO allies to take more responsibility for their own defense, rather than relying on the US.
Rubio has been vocal about European countries, particularly Germany, France, and the UK, being capable of managing their relationships independently, without American intervention.
He is expected to take a strong stance on Iran, aligning with Israel’s actions against groups linked to Tehran, such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Under a second Trump administration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have more latitude to confront Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
