Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) could be eyeing a play for defense secretary if former President Donald Trump wins the White House.
The former Green Beret told us he was open to the post if Trump wants him for a new administration. Waltz cited his longtime military and policy experience as key assets for the job.
“I’ve worked in the Pentagon. I’ve worked in the White House and now on the committees. I’ve obviously been in the military for 27 years. I’ve helped advise [Trump] on national security issues and if the president calls, the president calls,” Waltz said.
Waltz is the first Green Beret elected to Congress and a retired colonel in the National Guard. The Florida Republican was also a White House and Pentagon policy advisor. He came to Congress initially in 2018.
Notably, we saw Waltz join members of the House Freedom Caucus in New York in May to support Trump during his hush-money trial.
Waltz did say, however, that he’s staying focused on helping Trump win in November above all else.
“It’s an age-old problem in Washington when people start measuring the curtains for Cabinet,” Waltz said. “All we got to be focused on is six swing states and helping him win.”
— Mica Soellner
