Trump’s National Security Advisor Shakeup and Bold Foreign Policy Stance: A Closer Look
In a candid exchange with reporters aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump shed light on several major topics, including his upcoming plans for the National Security Advisor position, his stance on U.S.-Mexico relations, and the ongoing trade negotiations with multiple countries. Among the biggest takeaways was Trump’s announcement that former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz would be transitioning to a new role as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, with Trump emphasizing that Waltz’s exit wasn’t a resignation but rather an elevation to a “higher position.”
The media’s curiosity regarding Waltz’s departure was met with Trump’s characteristic confidence. He described the move as a natural progression, calling it a significant "upgrade" for Waltz. Despite rumors swirling about Waltz’s exit, Trump insisted there was no loss of confidence in his abilities, stating that Waltz’s new position would play a crucial role in U.S. diplomacy on the global stage. Trump, known for his blunt assessments, even hinted that the U.N. Ambassador position was, in his eyes, perhaps more desirable than the National Security Advisor role.
“I didn’t lose confidence in him,” Trump assured reporters, noting that Waltz was making the transition to the U.N. for a good reason. Trump added that if he were in Waltz’s shoes, he’d consider the U.N. post a bigger opportunity. He praised Waltz’s talents and expressed high hopes for his success at the United Nations. “To me, I think it’s personally, if I had assurance for myself… I’d rather have that job than the other,” Trump remarked.
The Shakeup at the National Security Council
In what was one of the most high-profile changes during Trump’s second term, Waltz was not the only one to part ways with the National Security Council (NSC). The announcement came just hours after the news broke, marking another dramatic shift in the administration’s personnel lineup. Waltz’s ousting, along with several others, marked a clear sign of Trump’s desire to reshape the team handling U.S. national security matters.
During his Sunday evening discussion, Trump confirmed that he intended to appoint a new National Security Advisor in about six months. This timing gave rise to speculation, as the president made it clear that there was no shortage of candidates vying for the position. “There are a lot of people who want the job,” Trump said, adding that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be managing the National Security Advisor role on an interim basis. For now, Rubio would be stepping into the shoes of his former colleagues at the NSC while the search for Waltz’s permanent replacement continues.
Stephen Miller’s Role and Future in the White House
As reporters pressed Trump for specifics on potential candidates for the National Security Advisor role, one name surfaced that raised some eyebrows—Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff. Miller, a key figure in Trump’s inner circle, has played a critical role in shaping many of the administration’s most controversial policies, particularly on immigration. When asked if Miller was being considered for the high-stakes position, Trump didn’t rule it out but noted Miller’s influence was already widespread across the administration.
"Stephen Miller at the top of the totem pole? I mean, I think he sort of indirectly already has that job… because he has a lot to say about a lot of things," Trump said, praising Miller’s valuable input on a range of issues. Trump was quick to highlight that Miller’s impact was significant, even if he wasn’t officially holding the title of National Security Advisor. “He's a very valued person in the administration, Stephen Miller,” Trump added, underlining his importance within the White House.
Trade Talks: Trump’s Tough Negotiation Strategy
Trump’s approach to foreign policy wasn’t limited to personnel changes; he also gave reporters a glimpse into his ongoing trade negotiations with countries around the world. When asked whether any new trade deals would be announced in the near future, Trump responded with a measure of caution. While he didn’t provide specifics, he left the door open for new developments, reiterating that the U.S. was negotiating with many countries, including China.
"We’re negotiating with many countries," Trump stated, "But at the end of this, I’ll set my own deals because I set the deal. They don’t set the deal. I set the deal." His message was clear: he would not bow to international pressure. In Trump’s world, the United States would lead the way in negotiating the terms of trade, not the other way around.
Trump’s self-assurance was on full display when he explained the tariff strategy that has become a central pillar of his economic policy. “I’ll set the tariff, and a country could agree to it or not,” Trump explained. The president emphasized that nations were free to walk away from trade talks if they didn’t want to comply with his terms. "They don’t have to deal with us, which is ok, because we lost under Biden. We’re losing $5 billion a day," he pointed out. "Now we’re not dealing with China at all because of the tariffs… Because of that, we’re saving billions of dollars."
Fighting the Cartels: Trump’s Offer to Send U.S. Troops to Mexico
Trump’s candid remarks didn’t stop there, as the president also addressed the ongoing drug cartel violence in Mexico, which he’s long considered a critical threat to U.S. national security. A reporter asked whether it was true that Trump had offered to send U.S. troops to Mexico to combat the cartels. Trump’s response was swift and unequivocal: "It’s true because they should be. They are horrible people that have been killing people left and right."
The president continued to describe the cartels as a dire threat to both Mexico and the United States, explaining that they were largely responsible for the importation of fentanyl into the U.S.—a drug responsible for killing over 300,000 Americans in a single year. For Trump, the cartels represented "bad news" for both nations, and he believed that taking direct action was essential to curb their influence.
"If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honored to go in and do it," Trump said, offering U.S. assistance to Mexico’s government in the fight against the cartels. The president shared that he had even communicated directly with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, offering support in the battle against the violent organizations. Unfortunately, the offer was rejected, with Trump attributing the decision to Sheinbaum’s fear of the cartels. He noted that the Mexican leader was so “afraid” of the cartels that she “can’t even think straight,” suggesting that her hesitation to accept U.S. help was driven by the fear of retaliation from cartel members.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for the Trump Administration?
Trump’s reflections on the National Security Advisor reshuffle, trade negotiations, and cartel violence provide a snapshot of where his administration stands in terms of foreign policy and national security. The upcoming months promise to be filled with high-stakes negotiations, leadership changes, and continued tension between the U.S. and its global partners.
One thing is clear: President Trump remains unapologetically assertive in his approach to international relations, whether it’s through reshaping his team, cutting tough trade deals, or offering U.S. assistance to fight crime across borders. With the next few months sure to be crucial, the world will be watching closely to see how Trump continues to navigate these complex issues.
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