Trump Appoints Rep. Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor

President Donald Trump has appointed Rep. Mike Waltz as his national security advisor and Sen. Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, signaling a tough stance on China and a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities. Both Waltz and Rubio are known for their hard-line views on China, with Waltz previously advocating for a national maritime strategy to counter Chinese influence in shipping and shipbuilding. Trump's proposed tariffs, including a significant 60% on Chinese imports, may further strain U.S.-China relations, potentially halving China's economic growth rate. Analysts speculate that these appointments indicate a shift of resources from Europe to the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting a growing perception of Beijing as the primary threat to U.S. interests. The new administration may also reconsider its military support for Ukraine, pushing for a negotiated settlement with Russia instead. Overall, the choices highlight a fundamental realignment in U.S. foreign policy priorities under Trump’s second term.