Stephen K. Bannon, a prominent ally of former President Trump, hosted a gathering in January at his Capitol Hill townhouse for Matt Boyle, the Washington bureau chief of Breitbart News. Among the attendees was Michael Waltz, Trump's national security adviser, who was there as part of an effort to solidify his position within the new administration.
Waltz faces a challenging dynamic, having become too aligned with Trump for many former Republican allies while not being sufficiently aligned for Trump’s most devoted supporters. Despite ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire between Ukraine and Russia, there are concerns among Trump’s inner circle that Waltz may become an early casualty of the administration.
Ezra Cohen, a former National Security Council member, noted that Waltz’s understanding of the chain of command may provide him an advantage over previous national security advisers. Waltz’s recent comments regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have sparked criticism, with some questioning his commitment to Ukraine.
Representative Adam Smith expressed disappointment in Waltz's rhetoric, suggesting it reflects an attempt to align with Trump’s views. Meanwhile, close allies of Trump have grown suspicious of Waltz due to his previous support for Ukraine and criticism of Putin.
Waltz recently returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia where he facilitated a 30-day cease-fire agreement, although Russia has yet to sign on. The National Security Council spokesman, Brian Hughes, dismissed concerns about Waltz's standing within the administration, attributing them to discontented insiders.
Supporters within the administration praised Waltz's loyalty to Trump's policies, but none directly addressed concerns regarding his personnel decisions. Waltz's background includes a military career, service in Congress, and a history of supporting Trump, although he was once critical of the former president.
Waltz's trajectory has shifted as he has increasingly aligned himself with Trump's views, particularly regarding military issues and criticisms of President Biden. His appointment as national security adviser was a result of Trump’s first choice declining the position, raising questions about Waltz's fit for the role given his past.
While Waltz's past experiences initially reassured some, others in Trump's circle have questioned whether the president was fully aware of Waltz's previous positions, including his support for the Iraq war. Despite initial skepticism, Waltz has adapted his views, eventually securing Trump's endorsement during his congressional campaign.
In recent months, Waltz has had to navigate complex positions, including a shift in tone regarding TikTok, which he previously criticized but later described positively. His choice of staff has also raised eyebrows, as he has appointed individuals with differing views from those typically favored by Trump.
As Waltz continues in his role, it remains uncertain whether he will successfully navigate the administration's challenges or face further scrutiny from those who question his loyalty to Trump.