Florida Republican Rep. Mike Walz left Congress on Monday to become President Trump's national security adviser, a long-awaited move he announced just an hour before Trump was sworn in as president. It was a movement.
Walz confirmed to Fox News that he plans to resign on the 20th. The day before the inauguration The decision will further narrow the Republican House majority to just 218-215 on President Trump's inauguration.
Officials prepare for President Trump's inauguration in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool, via Reuters)
“As I prepare to assume the role of National Security Advisor to the President-elect, Donald J. Trump, “I hereby formally resign from the United States House of Representatives, effective January 20, 2025,” Walz said in a letter announcing his decision.
“I intend to complete my term in the 118th Congress and take the oath of office in the 118th Congress. I have also filed a notice to advise Governor Ron DeSantis of my resignation.”
A special election to replace Walz is scheduled to be held in April.
News of his resignation from the House comes as Republicans in the chamber struggle to unite amid internal divisions over government spending, loyalty to President Trump and other ideological differences.
'Outrageous': House Democrats break out over Republican spending deal
House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke to reporters inside Congress before lawmakers voted on a new spending bill to avert a government shutdown. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)
These divisions were most evident during the election of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) in early January and the massive spending bill in December that narrowly avoided a government shutdown.
President Trump praised Mike Walz's service over 25 years in the Army Special Forces. Here Waltz is filmed in Afghanistan. (Mike Waltz)
Walz, a former Green Beret, served in both the White House and the Pentagon, and was selected by President Trump to serve as National Security Advisor in the fall of 2024.
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President Trump praised Walz's more than 25 years of service in the Army Special Forces, saying he was “deployed in combat numerous times and was awarded four Bronze Stars, including two for valor.” Ta.
Fox News Digital's Haley Chi-Sing contributed to this report.
