History of Mike Waltz in Timeline

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

1936: Waltz's Comparison of 2022 Olympics to 1936 Summer Olympics

In 2021, Mike Waltz likened the 2022 Olympics to the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Nazi Germany.

January 31, 1974: Mike Waltz's Birth

On January 31, 1974, Michael George Glen Waltz was born. He is an American politician, businessman, author, and former Army Special Forces officer.

1996: Graduation from Virginia Military Institute

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

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.

2014: Publication of Warrior Diplomat

In 2014, Mike Waltz's book, Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret's Battles from Washington to Afghanistan, was published.

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 6, 2020: Positive COVID-19 Test

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

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.

December 2020: Support for Texas v. Pennsylvania Lawsuit

In December 2020, Michael Waltz was among 126 Republican members of the House to sign an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit contesting the 2020 presidential election results.

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: Vote for National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

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

2020: Re-election to the House of Representatives

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

2020: Acquisition of Metis Solutions

In 2020, PAE acquired Metis Solutions, resulting in capital gains for Michael Waltz.

May 19, 2021: Vote Against January 6 Commission

On May 19, 2021, Michael Waltz voted against legislation to establish the January 6 commission.

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.

2021: Call for Boycott of Beijing Olympics

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

2021: Vote Against American Rescue Plan Act

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

2021: National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Vote

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

2021: Waltz Calls for Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

In 2021, Mike Waltz was the first member of Congress to advocate for a complete U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, citing human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. He drew parallels between the 2022 Olympics and the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Nazi Germany.

2021: Report on Role in Metis Solutions

In 2021, The Intercept reported on Michael Waltz's role in founding and managing Metis Solutions.

February 2022: Waltz Initially Backs Ukraine After Russian Invasion

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

July 19, 2022: Vote for the Respect for Marriage Act

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

2022: Vote on Drafting Women in NDAA

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

2022: Beijing Winter Olympics

In 2022, Michael Waltz wanted the U.S. to boycott the Winter Olympics in Beijing.

2022: Re-election to the House of Representatives

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

2022: Publication of Dawn of the Brave

In 2022, Mike Waltz authored the children's book Dawn of the Brave, a Christian-themed story about service.

2022: Waltz Voted Against Honoring our PACT Act

In 2022, Mike Waltz voted against the Honoring our PACT Act, which aimed to expand VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their military service.

2022: Waltz's Stand on Beijing Olympics

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

January 2023: Introduction of Bill on US Military Force in Mexico

In January 2023, Michael Waltz introduced a bill to seek authorization to use US military force in Mexico.

October 2023: Opposition to the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act

In October 2023, Michael Waltz led a letter opposing the inclusion of the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act in the 2023 farm bill.

2023: Vote Against Fiscal Responsibility Act

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

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.

July 29, 2024: Member of Bipartisan Task Force Investigating Attempted Assassination

On July 29, 2024, Michael Waltz was announced as one of seven Republican members of a bipartisan task force investigating the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

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: Endorsement of Donald Trump

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

2024: Congressional Leadership Award

In 2024, Michael Waltz received a Congressional Leadership Award for leading the letter opposing the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act.

2024: Votes Against Ukraine Bills

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

2024: Re-election to the House of Representatives

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

2024: Waltz Supports Pierre Poilievre in Canada

In 2024, Mike Waltz expressed his support for Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, criticizing Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and his policies. Waltz has been critical of Trudeau's approach to China and other issues.

2024: Waltz on China as an Existential Threat

In 2024, Mike Waltz identified China as an "existential threat to the US", highlighting its rapid military expansion and advocating for increased investment in the US Navy. He also co-authored an op-ed arguing for de-escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine to focus on countering China.

2024: Waltz's Evolving Views on Ukraine

In 2024, Mike Waltz indicated that his views on Ukraine had shifted to a less supportive position, suggesting that Trump could use oil and gas prices as leverage against Russia. He also argued that providing indefinite military aid to Ukraine was a recipe for failure and criticized the Biden administration's strategy.

2024: Publication of Hard Truths: Think and Lead Like a Green Beret

In 2024, Mike Waltz's book, Hard Truths: Think and Lead Like a Green Beret, was published.

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.

January 28, 2025: Meeting to Discuss Implementing Trump's Vision

On January 28, 2025, Michael Waltz held a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss implementing President Trump's vision.

February 18, 2025: Participation in Peace Negotiations on the war in Ukraine

On February 18, 2025, Michael Waltz accompanied Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the peace negotiations on the war in Ukraine, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

March 3, 2025: Confirmation of Offensive Cyber Operations Against Russia

On March 3, 2025, Michael Waltz confirmed on CNN's State of the Union that the United States would continue offensive cyber operations against Russia.

March 2025: Inadvertent Disclosure of US strikes in Yemen on Signal

In March 2025, Michael Waltz inadvertently disclosed upcoming US strikes in Yemen targeting Houthi militia in a Signal group chat.

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.

March 24, 2025: Visit to Greenland

On March 24, 2025, Michael Waltz announced a visit to Greenland, which was criticized by Greenlandic leaders.

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.

May 2025: Service as National Security Advisor

In May 2025, Michael Waltz served as the 29th national security advisor.

2025: Waltz Predicts Trudeau's Ouster

In 2024, Mike Waltz voiced his anticipation for Pierre Poilievre to replace Justin Trudeau as the Canadian prime minister in 2025.

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