Career Timeline of Mike Waltz: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Mike Waltz, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Waltz is an American politician, businessman, author, and former Army Special Forces officer. He served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 6th congressional district from 2019 to 2025 and as the 29th national security advisor from January to May 2025. He is currently nominated by President Trump to be the United States ambassador to the United Nations. A Republican, Waltz is the first Army Special Forces soldier elected to Congress. He received four Bronze Stars for his service in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. He previously worked in the Bush administration as a defense policy director in the Pentagon and as a counterterrorism advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1996: Commissioned as Armor Officer

In 1996, Michael Waltz was commissioned as an armor officer in the U.S. Army.

2000: Graduation from Special Forces Qualification Course

In 2000, Michael Waltz graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course.

2002: Service in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces, MD-ARNG

From 2002, Michael Waltz served in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces, MD-ARNG.

2010: Foundation of Metis Solutions

In 2010, Michael Waltz helped found the analytics and training company Metis Solutions.

2011: Service in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces, MD-ARNG

Until 2011, Michael Waltz served in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces, MD-ARNG.

2012: Service in 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces, TX-ARNG

From 2012, Michael Waltz served in 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces, TX-ARNG.

2015: Service in 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces, TX-ARNG

Until 2015, Michael Waltz served in 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces, TX-ARNG.

2016: Service in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces, MD-ARNG

From 2016, Michael Waltz served in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces, MD-ARNG.

2017: Waltz's Views on Afghanistan

In 2017, during an interview with The National Interest, Mike Waltz expressed his views on Afghanistan, focusing on ideological objectives and cultural conversion, envisioning a century-long effort to win hearts and minds.

2017: Waltz's Speech at CPAC on Afghanistan War

In 2017, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Mike Waltz discussed the war in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for a long-term strategy to combat Islamic extremism and preparing the American people for a multi-generational commitment.

2018: Campaign and Election to Congress

In 2018, Michael Waltz ran for Florida's 6th congressional district, and he defeated Nancy Soderberg in the general election.

2018: Election to the House of Representatives

In 2018, Michael Waltz was elected to the House of Representatives, defeating Nancy Soderberg and succeeding Ron DeSantis.

January 3, 2019: Swearing-In to Congress

On January 3, 2019, Michael Waltz was sworn in to the 116th United States Congress.

2019: U.S. Representative for Florida's 6th Congressional District

In 2019, Michael Waltz began serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 6th congressional district.

April 2020: COVID-19 Response Efforts

In April 2020, Michael Waltz joined the National Guard's COVID-19 response efforts as a colonel on the planning staff.

November 2020: Acquisition of Metis Solutions

In November 2020, Metis Solutions, which Waltz helped found, was bought by Pacific Architects and Engineers for $92 million.

2020: Legislation to secure American universities and academies from Chinese espionage

In 2020, Michael Waltz secured legislation that provides a universal requirement for all agencies for researchers to disclose all foreign funding sources in applications for federal funding.

2020: Sponsorship of American Critical Mineral Exploration and Innovation Act

In 2020, Michael Waltz sponsored the American Critical Mineral Exploration and Innovation Act of 2020.

2020: Re-election to the House of Representatives

In 2020, Michael Waltz was re-elected to the House of Representatives.

August 2021: Waltz Calls for Reversal of Afghanistan Withdrawal

In August 2021, as the US withdrawal from Afghanistan neared completion, Mike Waltz urged President Biden to reverse course, advocating for the redeployment of special forces and aerial bombardment of Taliban positions. He predicted the withdrawal would decimate local allies and civilians, leading to thousands of deaths.

February 2022: Waltz Initially Backs Ukraine After Russian Invasion

In February 2022, Mike Waltz initially supported Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

2022: Re-election to the House of Representatives

In 2022, Michael Waltz was re-elected to the House of Representatives.

2023: Service in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces, MD-ARNG

Until 2023, Michael Waltz served in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces, MD-ARNG.

November 12, 2024: Appointment as National Security Advisor

On November 12, 2024, President-elect Trump announced he would appoint Waltz to serve as national security advisor.

2024: Re-election to the House of Representatives

In 2024, Michael Waltz was re-elected to the House of Representatives.

January 20, 2025: Resignation from House Seat

On January 20, 2025, Michael Waltz resigned from his House seat prior to taking office as national security advisor.

March 2025: Waltz and Netanyahu Discuss Potential Strike on Iran

In March 2025, Mike Waltz reportedly held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a possible strike on Iran, without President Trump's awareness. These discussions reportedly angered Trump and may have contributed to Waltz's firing.

March 2025: Waltz's Signal Group Chats and National Security Concerns

In March 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported that Mike Waltz had initiated and managed multiple Signal group chats involving Cabinet members to deliberate on sensitive national security matters, including military operations and the cessation of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.

April 2025: Waltz's National Security Team's Use of Signal

In April 2025, Politico reported that Mike Waltz's national security team had established at least 20 Signal group chats to discuss official and sometimes sensitive national security issues, covering topics such as Ukraine, China, Gaza, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

May 1, 2025: Departure from National Security Advisor Role and Nomination as UN Ambassador

On May 1, 2025, Michael Waltz and Alex Wong left their posts following group chat leaks. The same day, Trump announced he intended to nominate Waltz to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations.

May 3, 2025: Reported Discussions Between Waltz and Netanyahu

On May 3, 2025, news emerged that Mike Waltz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had engaged in discussions regarding a potential strike on Iran during March 2025. These discussions took place without the knowledge of Donald Trump.