Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), the incoming chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has emphasized his commitment to confirming President Trump's nominees, particularly Secretary of State designate Marco Rubio, before Inauguration Day. He expressed optimism about the process and anticipates a more streamlined national security team compared to Trump's first term. Following a recent meeting with the former president, Risch remained tight-lipped about specific foreign policy discussions but conveyed a sense of renewed focus and efficiency.
Addressing concerns about the future of NATO under a second Trump administration, Risch downplayed the possibility of a US withdrawal, citing Russia's actions in Ukraine as a unifying force and highlighting the strong congressional support for the alliance. He referenced a recent vote affirming the US commitment to NATO, further solidified by legislation requiring congressional approval for any withdrawal. Risch acknowledged the gradual increase in military spending by NATO allies since Russia's invasion of Ukraine but stressed the need for continued growth, suggesting a potential collaboration with President Trump and European nations to achieve this goal.
While Trump has previously called for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP, a figure exceeding current levels, Risch indicated a focus on working towards higher contributions, though not necessarily reaching that specific target. He underscored the importance of shared responsibility within the alliance, particularly given Europe's proximity to potential threats.
President-elect Donald Trump delivers remarks during a campaign rally at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Oct. 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
The ruins of the city of Toretsk are in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, on December 19, 2024. (Photo by Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Regarding Iran, Risch expressed his intention to work with the Trump administration on reinstating a "maximum pressure" strategy, involving intensified sanctions to exert economic pressure on the Iranian regime. He criticized the Biden administration's approach, arguing that financial concessions and negotiations have been ineffective. Risch believes that a combination of external sanctions and internal pressures will compel Iran to reassess its current trajectory.
