Michael George Glen Waltz, born January 31, 1974, in Boynton Beach, Florida, is an American politician and retired U.S. Army Colonel. He graduated with honors from the Virginia Military Institute in 1996.

Waltz served over two decades in the U.S. Army and National Guard, including multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. He is the first Green Beret elected to Congress.

In 2019, Waltz began representing Florida’s 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has been a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, focusing on national security and defense issues.

On November 11, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump selected Waltz as National Security Advisor. This role does not require Senate confirmation.

Waltz’s appointment reflects his extensive military experience and alignment with the administration’s national security priorities. He is expected to play a key role in shaping U.S. defense and foreign policies.

Following his appointment, Waltz announced plans to resign from Congress on Inauguration Day, prompting a special election to fill his seat.

Waltz resides in Florida with his family.