President Donald Trump (R) has begun to assemble his administration. Shortly after his election, he announced that Susan Wiles would take over as the White House chief of staff, and over the weekend he indicated that New York Rep. Elise Stefanik (R) would serve as his ambassador to the United Nations. Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) is reportedly under consideration for Secretary of Defense. Should Rep. Waltz lead the Pentagon, he argues that the post would require "real reform."
Over the weekend, President Trump announced over Truth social that both Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) and CIA Director Mike Pompeo (R) would not be serving under his future administration. The announcement was viewed as a sigh of relief from the president's supporters as both are not seen as "America First" candidates.
Director Pompeo was reportedly under consideration for Defense Secretary, and another name that's been floated for the same position is Rep. Waltz. During an interview with Fox News, the Florida Republican discussed the position, warning that whoever is chosen needs to implement "real reform."
The Pentagon is in dire need of REAL reform.
Cost overruns, delays, and ZERO accountability has become the norm, and that whole culture needs to change.
Our soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen deserve better! pic.twitter.com/pbNBkuDh5X
— Rep. Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) November 9, 2024
"I think regardless of who [President Trump] puts in, we need real reform in the Pentagon," Rep. Waltz argued." "Everything they buy seemingly costs twice as much, delivers half as much, and takes twice as long as it should," he explained.
Sharing the interview segment on social media, Rep. Waltz further explained that "cost overruns, delays, and ZERO accountability has become the norm. That whole culture needs to change."
Rep. Waltz served as a green beret in the United States Army, and he formerly served in the Pentagon as a defense policy director for secretaries of defense Donald Rumsfeld (R) and Robert Gates (R). He also served in the White House as the vice president's counterterrorism advisor. In 2018, he replaced Governor Ron DeSantis (R) in the House after his gubernatorial election.
