Republican Representative Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming National Security Advisor, appeared on ABC’s This Week with Jon Karl on Sunday to address critical issues, including the ongoing situation involving American hostages held by Hamas and broader national security threats.

Congressman Mike Waltz speaks during Barracks of Hope grand opening ceremony in Daytona Beach on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

During the interview, Jon Karl questioned Waltz about the likelihood of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

Waltz responded that negotiations were actively underway. “Those negotiations are literally happening as we speak. Hamas is completely isolated,” Waltz stated.

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He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon, saying, “Hamas has nowhere else to go but to enter into some type of agreement… let’s have a ceasefire, let’s allow our hostages to be set free. I want to see them walking across the tarmac, or at a minimum, some type of agreement before inauguration.”

Waltz issued a stern warning to those involved in hostage-taking. “Any deal will only get worse for Hamas, and there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East if we continue to have this kind of hostage diplomacy,” he said.

“There are gonna be consequences to those who think they can take an American. There is gonna no longer be any upside for those who harm Americans abroad.”

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In addition to the hostage crisis, Waltz addressed national security threats within the Western Hemisphere, including issues related to the Panama Canal and Greenland.

Jon Karl referenced recent remarks by President-elect Trump about possibly using military force to secure strategic assets in those regions.

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“President Trump made some serious waves this week when he didn’t rule out the possibility of using military force to take over the Panama Canal and Greenland. Is he serious about that? Is that really an option?” Karl asked.

Waltz clarified Trump’s stance, emphasizing the seriousness of the security threats. “What he is very serious about is the threats that we are facing in the Arctic and the threats that we are facing in the Western Hemisphere,” Waltz said.

He further elaborated on the legal precedents that could support U.S. actions in these regions.

“There are elements for the U.S. to come in and defend its critical assets in the Panama Canal, in the Panama Canal Treaty, in the Neutrality Treaty, and for Greenland there is precedent there as well with the 1951 Defense Agreement that we entered in,” Waltz explained.

With Trump’s inauguration approaching, Waltz’s remarks signal the administration’s intent to adopt a strong stance on both international security and protecting Americans abroad.

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As negotiations with Hamas continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safe return of hostages and addressing global threats to U.S. interests.