President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he plans to appoint a new national security adviser in roughly six months. He clarified that former adviser Mike Waltz was not resigning but instead being moved from his enhanced role as UN ambassador.
While speaking with reporters aboard Air Force 1, Trump addressed various topics, including trade agreements, Mexican cartels, and national security advisory matters.
One journalist inquired about Waltz’s transition from national security adviser. Trump described it as an “upgrade” to a “higher status.”
He expressed confidence in Waltz’s capabilities, stating, “I didn’t lose confidence in him. He goes to the United Nations for a reason. For me, if I have a guarantee for myself… I want to do that job more than any other job.”
Again, Trump emphasized that Waltz did not resign but was reassigned.
“There was no resignation,” he reiterated.
Waltz, along with other national security staff, was relocated from their offices last Thursday, amid changes within the Trump administration. The announcement about Waltz’s new role emerged shortly thereafter.
Trump indicated that there are several candidates interested in the national security adviser position, expecting to make an appointment within six months.
When asked specifically about Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller’s potential candidacy, Trump remarked that Miller already plays a significant role in the administration.
The president was also probed about a possible trade deal announcement coming this week, but when pressed for details, he held back. “No one understands it,” he said, adding that he is negotiating with numerous countries and prefers to structure the agreements himself.
Trump mentioned ongoing discussions with nearly every country regarding trade, including China. He elaborated on his approach, stating he would set tariffs and evaluate whether countries agree to them.
“They don’t have to deal with us. We lost under Biden so it’s fine. We’re losing $5 billion a day,” he stated. “Think about it, $5 billion a day. We don’t engage with China due to tariffs, which saves us billions.”
A journalist also asked if Trump had proposed sending troops to Mexico to combat the cartel. He responded, asserting that the cartels are responsible for significant violence and drug trafficking, including fentanyl, which has led to over 300,000 deaths this year alone.
Trump labeled cartel members as “bad news,” stating, “If Mexico was asking for the help against the cartel, we would be honored to come in and do it.” However, he expressed concerns about Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, suggesting that she may not be able to act decisively due to fear of the cartels.
