Mike Waltz Faces Senate Scrutiny Over UN Nomination/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Mike Waltz vowed to “make the UN great again” during his Senate confirmation hearing to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, pledging reforms and tougher stances on China and antisemitism. Lawmakers questioned Waltz over a security misstep that led to his removal as national security adviser. His nomination marks the final piece of Trump’s cabinet amid shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
Mike Waltz UN Nomination Quick Looks
- Waltz pledges UN reform, echoing Trump’s “America First” policy
- Faces Senate questioning over Signal chat security breach
- Vows to counter China and tackle antisemitism at the UN
- Trump praises Waltz’s commitment to national interests
- John Bolton calls current UN state its “worst shape ever”
- UN grapples with funding cuts, staffing reductions, internal reforms
- Waltz remains on White House payroll during nomination process
- Previous nominee Elise Stefanik withdrawn to protect GOP majority
Deep Look
Mike Waltz Vows to “Make the UN Great Again” During Senate Hearing, Pledging Sweeping Reform and Confrontation with China
WASHINGTON (AP) — Mike Waltz, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Tuesday, promising to revitalize an international body he claims has drifted far from its original mission. In language closely aligned with Trump’s signature rhetoric, Waltz declared his intent to “make the UN great again,” outlining a vision of sweeping reforms and a tough stance on China’s expanding influence.
“We should have one place in the world where everyone can talk — where China, Russia, Europe and the developing world can come together and resolve conflicts,” Waltz told senators. “But after 80 years, it’s drifted from its core mission of peacemaking.”
Confirmation Process Follows Security Controversy
Waltz’s appearance on Capitol Hill marked his first public testimony since his abrupt removal as Trump’s national security adviser in May. His ouster stemmed from revelations in March that he inadvertently added The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal chat where sensitive military plans, including potential strikes on Houthi militants in Yemen, were being discussed.
While the high-profile breach rattled Washington, more than an hour into Tuesday’s hearing, no senator had directly confronted Waltz about the incident. Nonetheless, the controversy hovers over his nomination, especially given his prospective role as America’s top diplomat at the United Nations.
Waltz has admitted the error but defended his overall conduct, telling the committee he remains committed to safeguarding national security.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Waltz said, adding that he has “learned important lessons” from the episode.
Trump Backs Waltz for UN Post
Despite the scandal, President Trump has stood by Waltz, praising his commitment to “put our Nation’s Interests first.” Waltz, a former Green Beret and congressman from Florida, was introduced at the hearing by Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Rick Scott of Florida, who described him as a “seasoned policy mind and skilled negotiator.”
“With Waltz at the helm, the U.N. will have what I regard as what should be its last chance to demonstrate its actual value to the United States,” Lee said during the hearing. He criticized the UN for what he called “progressive political virtue signaling” and expressed hope that Waltz could push the Security Council toward its core mission of resolving conflicts.
UN in Period of Transition and Strain
If confirmed, Waltz would take over at a turbulent time for the United Nations. Trump’s administration has slashed foreign assistance budgets, directly affecting key UN humanitarian programs, and is considering further cuts to the organization’s operating budget. With the U.S. as the largest contributor to the UN, financial pullbacks have forced the organization to shed jobs, consolidate projects, and begin long-overdue internal reforms.
John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the UN and national security adviser under Trump, recently told The Associated Press the United Nations is “probably in the worst shape it’s been in since it was founded.”
The organization faces accusations of inefficiency and a lack of decisive action on conflicts around the globe, including protracted crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and parts of Africa.
Waltz Targets China, Antisemitism
During the hearing, Waltz emphasized that if confirmed, he would prioritize confronting China’s growing sway at the UN and ensuring American values drive international policy.
“I’m committed to pushing back against China’s attempts to reshape global institutions in its own authoritarian image,” Waltz said. He also pledged to investigate and eliminate what he called “deep antisemitism” within UN agencies and initiatives.
These priorities echo the broader foreign policy platform advanced by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who replaced Waltz as national security adviser in May. The administration has moved to drastically scale down the federal government and recalibrate foreign alliances around Trump’s “America First” philosophy.
Political Stakes and Recent Nominee Withdrawal
Waltz’s nomination is also politically significant for Trump. His prior pick for UN ambassador, Rep. Elise Stefanik, was withdrawn in March amid fears that losing her House seat in a special election could cost Republicans their razor-thin majority. At the time, even a small shift in House seats could have jeopardized the passage of Trump’s sweeping legislative agenda.
Waltz, whose Florida House seat was filled in a special election earlier this year, has remained on the White House payroll during his nomination process, earning an annual salary of $195,200, according to the latest records.
Path Forward
While Waltz has significant Republican backing, his confirmation is not yet certain. Senators are expected to question him further on both his policy vision for the United Nations and his handling of classified information. If confirmed, he would assume one of the most visible diplomatic posts in the world, representing U.S. interests at a time of geopolitical upheaval.
As Waltz summed up his goals during the hearing, he delivered a pointed message:
“It’s time to make the UN effective again—for peace, for security, and for the values America stands for.”
You must Register or Login to post a comment.