US President-elect Donald Trump has selected Florida Senator Marco Rubio to be his Secretary of State and Congressman Mike Waltz as his National Security Advisor (NSA).

Rubio, 53, is known for his strong support of India and has been an advocate for strengthening the India-US relationship. Waltz, 50, brings significant experience as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus for India and Indian Americans, making him a well-known figure in US-India relations.

By choosing Rubio and Waltz for these key roles, Trump ensures continued bipartisan support and further solidifies the US-India partnership under his second administration. These appointments come as the Republican Party secured a majority in the House of Representatives, giving Trump control over both chambers of Congress.

The NSA position does not require Senate confirmation, and no official statement has been released by the Trump Transition Team regarding the appointments.

“I’m thrilled for my friend Marco Rubio, our next Secretary of State,” said Florida Senator Rick Scott. “He will restore American leadership around the world, especially in Latin America, and represent the US with dignity and courage.”

Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed his support for Waltz, saying, “There is no one more capable or qualified for this crucial role. As a Green Beret, Rep. Waltz bravely fought to defend our nation. Our national security is in good hands with him.”

Waltz, a decorated Green Beret who served in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa, would be the first former Green Beret to take on the role of NSA. He has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan and has advocated for a stronger US stance on Ukraine, aligning with Trump’s foreign policy priorities.

Earlier in the day, Trump also announced the nomination of former Congressman Lee Zeldin from New York to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Trump praised Zeldin for his strong legal background and commitment to America First policies, promising swift deregulation while maintaining high environmental standards.

Additionally, Trump nominated Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as the US Ambassador to the United Nations, further shaping his upcoming administration's foreign policy.

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