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President-elect Donald Trump’s initial appointments have heavily focused on national security positions, indicating his intention to reshape international relations early in his second term, according to former deputy national security adviser KT McFarland’s recent comments on Newsmax.
"[Rep. Mike Waltz] has courage beyond belief and integrity. I think he's going to be just an awesome choice for President Trump."
— KT McFarland on Trump's selection of Waltz as national security advisor@realKTMcFarland @SharlaMcBride @AlisonMaloni pic.twitter.com/55mBWcwEwA
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) November 13, 2024
Breaking from traditional transition patterns that typically prioritize economic positions, Trump has concentrated on building his national security team. His appointments include Mike Waltz as national security adviser, Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA, Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador, Mike Huckabee for Israeli ambassador, and Tom Homan as border czar.
McFarland noted that Trump’s immediate focus suggests upcoming negotiations regarding Ukraine and the Middle East, along with significant discussions with Russian and Chinese leaders. She emphasized that Trump has selected individuals he’s familiar with, ensuring alignment with his vision.
“Everyone that he’s chosen understands what their role is,” McFarland said. “Their role is not to overrule President Trump. Their role is not to be smarter than President Trump.”
She contrasted these appointments with Trump’s first-term picks, who she said often disagreed with him and overstepped their bounds.
McFarland praised Waltz’s appointment, highlighting his military background and independent thinking. “Mike Waltz is an awesome choice,” she said. “He’s wicked smart. He’s got combat experience. He’s a decorated Army officer. He was the first Green Beret in Congress, and he’s also an ‘America First’ guy, and he had the courage to step up to the establishment, the Republicans establishment, as well as the Democrats in Washington as well as the defense industrial complex. So this guy has courage beyond belief and integrity. I think he’s going to be just an awesome choice for President Trump. And I think he’ll work very, very well with the other cabinet officers.”
"If the United States does what Donald Trump says on day one, 'drill, baby drill,' if we unleash the American energy industry, we can use that as a major point of leverage with the Chinese."
— KT McFarland, former deputy national security advisor@realKTMcFarland @BiancaDLGarza pic.twitter.com/Y0KpoZ9nno
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) November 7, 2024
Defending Hegseth’s appointment against media criticism, McFarland emphasized his academic credentials from Harvard and Princeton, along with his combat experience.
Regarding Israel relations, McFarland anticipates a strong partnership, citing Trump’s relationship with Netanyahu and Huckabee’s deep connections to Israel. She noted Huckabee’s spiritual ties to the country, mentioning a commemorative plaque by the Jordan River marking his rebaptism at a historically significant site.
