WASHINGTON – According to sources familiar with the matter, President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Florida Congressman Mike Waltz to take on the role of national security adviser.

The 50-year-old Waltz will be part of the new administration as it faces various significant international conflicts, including the ongoing wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas. This appointment does not require Senate approval.

The congressman, serving his third term, is an active member of the House Armed Services Committee, has held civilian positions at the Pentagon, and is a decorated Green Beret combat veteran. He is also known for his strong opposition to diversity initiatives within the Defense Department.

In his role in Congress, Waltz has called for increased defense spending from NATO allies and has criticized the United States for what he views as an unrestricted financial commitment to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.

Hailing from Florida, Waltz graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, was commissioned as an Army officer, became a Green Beret, and completed multiple tours in conflict zones in the Middle East and Afghanistan, serving a total of 27 years in the Army and National Guard. He has received four Bronze Stars, two of which were for acts of valor.

Waltz was involved in search missions in Afghanistan for Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl, who deserted. He criticized the Obama administration for celebrating Bergdahl’s release from Taliban custody.

In his capacity on the Armed Services Committee, Waltz has sharply criticized Pentagon personnel policies under the Biden administration, labeling them as “woke,” a term often used by some conservatives to denote progressive policies.

During a 2023 interview after Republicans regained control of the House, Waltz shared that he had received complaints from the family of a West Point Cadet concerning a course called “understanding your whiteness and white rage.”

He described this course as “incredibly divisive” and argued that it had no place in the Army, although West Point has denied that such a course has ever been presented.

Waltz has also criticized efforts by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin aimed at eliminating extremists in the military ranks, which Austin prioritized following the January 6 insurrection and the involvement of several military veterans in that event.

Recently, Florida voters re-elected Waltz for a fourth term. Alongside New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, he is among the few seated lawmakers set to transition into the incoming Trump administration, while the House awaits special elections to fill their vacancies. On the same day, Trump announced his intention to nominate Stefanik as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

(This story has been updated with new details.)