Trump Announces New National Security Advisor Appointment Timeline, Addresses Trade Deals, Mexican Cartels

President Donald Trump addressed reporters on Air Force One, covering a range of topics including personnel changes within his administration, potential trade deals, and the issue of Mexican drug cartels, Fox News reports.

The President announced plans to appoint a new National Security Advisor within approximately six months. This announcement follows the departure of Mike Waltz, who Trump claimed was not resigning but instead being promoted to the position of UN Ambassador.

“There was no resignation,” Trump stated, emphasizing that he had moved Waltz to what he considers a “higher position.” He lauded Waltz’s abilities and expressed confidence in his future performance at the United Nations. “I didn’t lose confidence in him,” Trump said. “He’s going to the United Nations for a reason… I’d rather have that job than the other.”

Waltz’s shift comes after a series of staff changes within the National Security Council. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is currently serving as interim National Security Advisor. Trump indicated that numerous individuals are interested in the permanent role, which will be finalized in the coming months. When pressed about the possibility of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller being considered, the president did not offer a direct response.

Turning to economic matters, Trump hinted at potential trade deal announcements this week but remained tight-lipped on specifics. He confirmed ongoing discussions with numerous countries, including China. He reiterated his approach to trade, outlining that the US will set tariffs, and countries can choose whether or not to agree to them. Trump then stated:

“They don’t have to deal with us, which is ok, because we lost under Biden. We’re losing $5 billion a day. Think of it. $5 billion a day. Now we’re not dealing with China at all because of the tariffs… Because of that, we’re saving billions of dollars.”

President Trump also addressed the pressing issue of Mexican drug cartels. He confirmed that he offered to send U.S. troops to Mexico to combat the cartels.

“It’s true because they should be. They are horrible people that have been killing people left and right,” Trump said. “They’ve made a fortune in selling drugs and destroying other people.”

He attributed the influx of fentanyl into the US, and the deaths of over 300,000 people this year, to the actions of the cartels.

Trump characterized cartel members as “bad news” and reiterated his willingness to assist Mexico in addressing the issue.

“If Mexico wanted help with the cartels, we would be honored to go in and do it,” Trump said. “I told [Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum] that I would be honored to go in and do it. The cartels are trying to destroy our country. They’re evil.”

He claimed that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the offer due to fear of the cartels, saying she is “so afraid that she “can’t even think straight.”