Here’s what Trump could do.
President Donald Trump’s National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, recently addressed claims that the Trump administration has plans to invade Canada, firmly stating that there is no intention to do so. This comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly told business leaders that the Trump administration had discussed making Canada the 51st state.
Waltz offered a different perspective, suggesting that what’s happening is actually a reassertion of American leadership throughout the Western Hemisphere. He pointed out that many Canadians are frustrated with the liberal, progressive policies of Trudeau’s government over the past decade. According to Waltz, America is stepping back into its rightful place, exercising influence and security in the region—from the Arctic to the Panama Canal. For too long, the U.S. has neglected its own hemisphere, missing out on vital resources like energy, food, and critical minerals. Under Trump, however, the U.S. is determined to take back control of strategic assets like Greenland and the Panama Canal, areas of vital importance to American interests.
Waltz also discussed the aggressive budget cuts that Trump has already initiated, particularly within the Department of Defense (DOD), which has a massive $800 billion budget. He remarked that the DOD is bloated, inefficient, and underperforms when it comes to delivering results for soldiers. Waltz echoed Trump’s plan to direct Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, to identify and eliminate wasteful spending across government departments like Education and Defense. Trump has made it clear that his administration will tackle the rampant fraud and abuse in government spending, with a focus on ensuring taxpayer money is used wisely and effectively.
In addition to cutting spending, Waltz defended recent attempts to reduce the size and budget of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He argued that USAID’s operations too often stray from U.S. strategic interests and waste taxpayer dollars, with only a fraction of aid actually reaching those in need. Waltz rejected the notion that reducing foreign aid would create a vacuum for adversaries like China and Russia to fill. Instead, he emphasized that the U.S. needs to realign its foreign aid efforts with Trump’s broader vision for American interests abroad.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Waltz reiterated Trump’s stance on seeking an end to the war. He suggested that after the conflict ends, European countries will need to take more responsibility for regional security, and Trump would look to recoup the costs of U.S. military aid by forming partnerships with Ukraine to extract their natural resources. According to Waltz, security guarantees will be a European responsibility, and it’s time for America to shift its focus to prioritizing the interests of the U.S. and its citizens.