Challenges in the Life of Mike Waltz in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Mike Waltz faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Michael Waltz is an American politician and former Army Special Forces officer. A Republican, he served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 6th congressional district from 2019 to 2025 and currently serves as the U.S. National Security Advisor since 2025. He is the first Army Special Forces soldier elected to Congress. During his military career, Waltz earned four Bronze Stars through multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. Prior to entering politics, Waltz also served 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

1936: Comparison to 1936 Summer Olympics

In 2021, Waltz likened the 2022 Olympics to the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Nazi Germany, in advocating for a full U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

November 6, 2020: Waltz Tests Positive for COVID-19

On November 6, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Waltz tested positive for the virus.

May 19, 2021: Vote Against January 6 Commission Legislation

On May 19, 2021, Waltz voted against legislation to establish the formation of a January 6 commission meant to investigate the storming of the U.S. Capitol.

August 2021: Call to Reverse Afghanistan Withdrawal

In August 2021, as the US withdrawal from Afghanistan neared completion, Waltz urged President Biden to reverse course, advocating for the redeployment of special forces and the use of aerial bombardment against the Taliban. He predicted that the withdrawal would lead to the decimation of local allies and civilians, with thousands of potential deaths.

2021: Waltz Calls for Boycott of Beijing Olympics

In 2021, Waltz called for a full U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

2021: Vote Against American Rescue Plan Act

In 2021, Waltz voted against the American Rescue Plan Act.

2021: Call for Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

In 2021, Waltz was the first member of Congress to advocate for a full U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing the CCP's treatment of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. He likened the 2022 Olympics to the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Nazi Germany.

2022: Beijing Winter Olympics Boycott

In 2022, Waltz advocated for a boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.

2022: Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

Waltz advocated for a full U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing the CCP's treatment of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. He likened the 2022 Olympics to the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Nazi Germany; this stance was initially made in 2021.

2024: Shift in Views on Ukraine

By 2024, Waltz's views on the conflict in Ukraine had evolved to a less supportive position. He suggested that Trump could leverage lower oil and gas prices to pressure Russia and criticized the Biden administration's strategy as unclear. He advocated for a negotiated settlement and suggested providing more weapons to Ukraine with fewer restrictions if Putin refuses peace talks.

2024: Assessment of China as an Existential Threat

In 2024, Waltz characterized China as an 'existential threat' to the US, citing its rapid military buildup. In an op-ed co-written with Matthew Kroenig for The Economist, he argued for de-escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine to focus military assets on confronting China.