Trump Appoints New National Security Adviser After Flynn Scandal

President Donald Trump has appointed Lt General HR McMaster as his new national security adviser, weeks after his first advisor stood down.

Michael Flynn resigned last week after facing criticism for ties with the Russian government and lying to Vice-President Mike Pence.

McMaster was announced as the replacement to acting NSA Lieutenant General Joseph Keith Kellogg Jr. by Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

54-year-old Herbert Raymond McMaster has had a lifelong career in the US military.

Graduating from US Military Academy at West Point in 1984, McMaster has fought in the Gulf War, the Iraq War and has headed an anti-corruption and transparency task force in Afghanistan.

His keen interest in military history - in which he boasts a PhD - advises his decisions on the battlefield. 

His deep military experience has been praised by members of both major parties in America, including those who have been critical of President Trump.

Obama's former National Security Advisor Susan Rice and Republican Senator and veteran John McCain have congratulated and praised McMaster, despite their heavy criticism of Trump.

Flynn's appointment saw heavy criticism from both sides of the House due to his unorthodox ideology, whereas McMaster's appointment has been viewed as far less controversial.

His considered and intellectual approach towards foreign policy and defence has led to publication Time Magazine labelling him "the 21st Century Army's pre-eminent warrior-thinker".

He has also earned praise for his willingness to criticise decisions made during the lead up to the 2003 Iraq War with Col. Tim Collins, saying at the time that he had "a refreshingly unconventional approach".

He has also criticised the US military's war in Vietnam in his book Dereliction of Duty. 

More: Trump's Controversial National Security Advisor Resigns