Top national security advisers to President-elect Donald Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden are collaborating closely to present a united front against U.S. adversaries during the presidential transition, according to Trump adviser Mike Waltz. Waltz, a Republican congressman and former Army Green Beret, has been tapped as Trump’s national security adviser and is in discussions with Biden’s counterpart, Jake Sullivan, to address key challenges, including the escalating war in Ukraine and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
“For adversaries thinking they can exploit this transition, they’re wrong,” Waltz said on Fox News Sunday. “We are one team, hand in glove, for the United States during this transition.”
However, Trump’s other national security picks face potential obstacles in Senate confirmation. Nominees include Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman selected as intelligence chief, and Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host tapped to lead the Defense Department. Gabbard has drawn criticism for implying Russian President Vladimir Putin had valid reasons for invading Ukraine and for meeting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017. Hegseth, a military veteran, has faced allegations of sexual assault, which he denies, claiming the encounter was consensual.
Trump’s initial choice for attorney general, Matt Gaetz, withdrew last week after Senate opposition over allegations of illicit drug use and sex trafficking.
Despite concerns, Senator John Barrasso emphasized the importance of swiftly confirming Trump’s national security team. “It’s critical to ensure President Trump has his team in place on day one,” Barrasso said, underscoring the Senate’s role in maintaining continuity during the transition.
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