Statecraft

Opinion/Commentary: Questions surround Trump’s foreign policy, national security team

All presidents, including Donald Trump after Jan. 20, rely on the National Security Council to help them make difficult decisions about U.S. foreign and national security policy. When a new president takes office, the character of the NSC will change to reflect his priorities. It’s especially so when the new chief executive represents a different political party.

Mr. Trump’s selection of his national security team suggests he desires competent, experienced people heading the departments of State, Defense and Homeland Security.

His choice for national security adviser has extensive experience in military intelligence, and it was announced late last week that he has picked former Sen. Dan Coats of Indiana as director of national intelligence, a key NSC post.