President-elect Donald Trump’s recent picks for key defense and foreign policy roles have stirred up debate among supporters of his “America First” policy, who fear a shift toward a more interventionist stance.
Trump announced Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his nominee for Defense Secretary, Congressman Mike Waltz for National Security Advisor, and, according to reports, Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. Veteran Congressman Ron Paul sharply criticised the appointments, calling them a setback for the “America First” foreign policy Trump previously championed.
In a statement on Tuesday, Trump praised Hegseth, a former National Guardsman and outspoken critic of “woke” influences in the military, as “a true believer in America First.”
He described Hegseth as “tough, smart, and a warrior for the troops and the country.”
Hegseth, a regular Fox News commentator, has consistently advocated for a more aggressive posture against countries like China and Iran. “On the front end, a social justice military fails to recruit the masculine men who make up our warrior class,” Hegseth wrote in his book *The War on Warriors*, criticizing what he views as the weakening of the armed forces.
Mike Waltz, Trump’s choice for National Security Advisor, echoed similar sentiments, pledging support for Trump’s vision of “Peace through Strength.”
Waltz, a Green Beret veteran and prominent critic of Chinese influence, stated on X, “Together with President Trump and his team, we will confront the evolving challenges of today’s world and hold firm against those who would harm our way of life.” Known for his skepticism of military aid to Ukraine, Waltz has argued that America should “leverage” its influence to push for peace talks between Kiev and Moscow.
Marco Rubio, currently a strong candidate for Secretary of State, has also shown recent ambivalence toward continued military aid for Ukraine.
According to the New York Times Rubio has softened his stance, stating last month that funding the conflict has turned into a “stalemate” and calling for a resolution.
“This does not mean that we celebrate what Vladimir Putin did,” Rubio said, “but there has to be some common sense here.” Trump has suggested he could pressure Ukraine to reach an agreement with Russia, implying that a settlement could be encouraged by leveraging U.S. assistance.
Critics argue that these appointments represent a shift away from Trump’s non-interventionist campaign promises.
Former Congressman Ron Paul took to social media to express his disappointment, describing Tuesday as a “bad day for those who endorse ‘America First’ in our foreign policy.”
Paul warned, “With reported Trump appointments of neocons Elise Stefanik (UN Ambassador), Mike Waltz (National Security Advisor), and…Marco Rubio (Secretary of State), many who hoped that Trump 2.0 would be different than Trump 1.0 are feeling dejected and betrayed. Is there any hope left?”
Trump, however, maintains that these choices will help restore America’s international standing, which he claims was damaged by previous administrations.
“America will keep its allies close,” Waltz wrote on X, “we will not be afraid to confront our adversaries.”
As Trump moves forward with his appointments, questions remain over whether this team will ultimately lead the U.S. down a path of peace or further entanglements abroad.
Yesterday was a bad day for those who endorse “America First” in our foreign policy.
With reported Trump appointments of neocons Elise Stefanik (UN Ambassador), Mike Waltz (National Security Advisor), and…Marco Rubio (Secretary of State), many who hoped that Trump 2.0 would… pic.twitter.com/TB1p3FoBob
— Ron Paul (@RonPaul) November 12, 2024
Trump’s selections suggest a deep entanglement with Zionist influences within America’s political landscape. Sen. Marco Rubio is being chosen as Secretary of State, meaning we will be dragged into a war with Iran, and American troops will bleed and die for Israel.
In fact, every single pick by Trump so far looks to be a Zionist, putting Israel first and America last.
Homeland Security is going to be run by Kristi Noem, who wants to criminalize any speech against Israel, and who believes God gave Israel the right to slaughter all other human beings on the planet (and steal their land and resources).
These are dangerous, delusional people that Trump is picking. Not looking good so far.
I m not religious
Now, the question you gotta ask yourself. Will the “saviour” walk his true path or will he turn out to be the “Deciever” as the Bible States
Note: I did support the orange man last 2 times and I do not trust blindly.
He will probably be the gravedigger
Interesting comment above, had crossed my mind, might be time to grab the popcorn.