In a recent interview with Newsmax, Representative Mike Waltz, a Republican from Florida, discussed the pressing national security concerns facing the United States, specifically highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with the southern border. Appointed by President-elect Donald Trump as the forthcoming national security adviser, Waltz asserted that the most significant threats to national security stem from terrorism, facilitated by a porous southern border, rather than social issues such as climate change or parental rights at school board meetings.
During the episode of "The Record With Greta Van Susteren," Waltz emphasised that organisations like ISIS and al-Qaida are exploiting weaknesses along the southern border, collaborating with Mexican drug cartels that are also linked to Chinese fentanyl suppliers. He stated, “We know ISIS, al-Qaida, and others are taking advantage of the southern border,” noting the severe implication of such connections, which contribute to a staggering number of American deaths due to drug overdoses. He further quantified this concern by referencing casualties from previous conflicts, saying that the drug-related deaths exceed the toll from both Vietnam and other wars.
Waltz articulated a critical need for the federal government to recalibrate its focus. “Are they more worried about parents at school board [meetings] and climate change and social justice than they're worried about criminal gangs and terrorists infiltrating or others who may be radicalizing Americans online?” he questioned, pressing the importance of aligning the resources of the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies with the actual security threats faced by the nation.
In addition, Waltz addressed what he described as a significant factor in national security going forward: the leadership of the United States in artificial intelligence. He declared, “AI is the race of the 21st century that will affect everything that we do,” arguing that advancements in AI could lead to groundbreaking medical discoveries, such as potential cures for various diseases. However, he also warned of the existential risks posed by AI, particularly the concern that machines may soon surpass human capabilities in creating algorithms. Waltz stressed the need for “appropriate guardrails” to ensure that the most advanced AI technologies remain out of the hands of adversaries. He further expressed his commitment to maintaining the United States' lead in this field under Trump’s administration, stating, “Donald J. Trump is going to make sure we maintain that lead.”
As developments in these areas unfold, the potential implications for both national security and business practices remain significant, reflecting ongoing trends in technological advancement and geopolitical challenges.
Source: Noah Wire Services