Childhood and Education Journey of Mike Waltz in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Mike Waltz. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

January 31, 1974: Mike Waltz's Birth

On January 31, 1974, Michael George Glen Waltz was born.

1996: Graduation from Virginia Military Institute

In 1996, Waltz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies from the Virginia Military Institute, graduating with honors.

2017: Remarks at Conservative Political Action Conference

At the 2017 Conservative Political Action Conference, Waltz reflected on his time serving in Afghanistan, following the announcement of Obama-era troop withdrawals. He emphasized the necessity of a long-term strategy to undermine Islamic extremism, comparing it to past struggles against fascism and communism, and cautioned that defeating an ideology is far more difficult than military action.

2017: Views on Afghanistan

In 2017, Waltz expressed his views on Afghanistan, emphasizing ideological objectives over material ones, advocating for a slow cultural conversion by unconventional forces over multiple generations to win 'hearts and minds'. He predicted it would take 100 years to achieve these objectives.

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

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

2020: Vote for National Defense Authorization Act

In 2020, Waltz voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2021.

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.

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: National Defense Authorization Act

In 2021, Waltz voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

February 2022: Initial Support for Ukraine

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

July 19, 2022: Vote for Respect for Marriage Act

On July 19, 2022, Waltz voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.

2022: Beijing Winter Olympics Boycott

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

2022: PACT ACT and MORE Act votes

In 2022, Waltz voted against the PACT Act and the MORE Act.

2022: Vote to Include Provisions for Drafting Women in NDAA

In 2022, Waltz voted to include provisions for drafting women in the NDAA.

January 2023: Introduces Bill to Authorize Military Force Against Cartels in Mexico

In January 2023, Waltz and Representative Dan Crenshaw introduced a bill to seek authorization to use US military force to "put us at war with the cartels" in Mexico.

2023: Votes Against Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, Waltz voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act in the House.

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: Endorses Donald Trump for President

In 2024, Waltz endorsed Donald Trump for the Republican Party presidential primaries.

2024: Support for Pierre Poilievre

In 2024, Waltz publicly supported Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, expressing his hope that Poilievre would defeat Justin Trudeau in 2025. He also criticized Trudeau's policies toward China, including abstaining on a Parliament vote regarding the treatment of Uyghurs, allowing the sale of a lithium mine to a Chinese-state owned entity, and the pledging of Chinese donors to donate $1 million to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.

2024: Vote Against Ukraine Bills

In 2024, Waltz voted against multiple Ukraine bills to aid Ukraine.

2025: Anticipation of Canadian Election Outcome

In 2024, Waltz stated that in 2025, Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre was going to send Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau "packing (finally) and start digging Canada out of the progressive mess it's in".