UPDATE: Mike Waltz, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is set to face intense questioning from lawmakers tomorrow. This confirmation hearing marks his first public appearance since his controversial removal as national security adviser, following revelations surrounding a sensitive Signal chat. Waltz’s hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will address the fallout from this scandal, which has implications for U.S. foreign relations and national security.
The stakes are high as the Senate prepares to scrutinize Waltz over his decision to mistakenly add Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a private chat discussing military plans against Houthi militants in Yemen. The chat, which was meant for high-level officials, raised alarms when it was revealed that sensitive information was shared on an unclassified messaging platform.
Waltz took responsibility for the incident but faced criticism alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also shared sensitive details in a separate chat. Despite the controversy, Trump has voiced his unwavering support for Hegseth. The fallout from this incident led to Waltz’s removal as national security adviser in May, with Marco Rubio stepping into the role.
If confirmed, Waltz will step into the UN role at a pivotal moment. The organization is currently grappling with the effects of Trump’s recent decision to slash foreign aid, which heavily impacts humanitarian operations. The administration has signaled a desire to reshape U.S. involvement under an “America First” policy, arguing that many UN bodies have deviated from their original missions.
As the largest donor to the UN, cuts to U.S. funding would significantly hinder the organization’s ability to operate effectively. Reports indicate that the UN is already facing financial instability, leading to job cuts and project consolidations. Critics, including former UN ambassador John Bolton, have voiced concerns that the UN is in its worst state since its inception, calling for urgent reforms.
“It’s probably in the worst shape it’s been in since it was founded,” Bolton stated.
Waltz has been actively engaging with both Democrats and Republicans on the Foreign Relations Committee in recent weeks. Senator Tammy Duckworth revealed that their discussions included critical topics such as countering Chinese influence within the UN. Duckworth emphasized the need for a strategic approach to strengthen alliances against rising global threats.
Despite the challenges ahead, Waltz only requires a simple majority in the 53-47 Republican-controlled Senate to secure confirmation. Senator Markwayne Mullin expressed confidence in Waltz’s chances, stating, “He’ll be fine. Mike won’t have any issues.”
Waltz’s nomination comes after a tumultuous period for the Trump administration, notably following the withdrawal of a previous nominee. His salary as a White House official remains at $195,200, as reported on July 1, 2023. A White House official cited the importance of ensuring a smooth transition into the UN role as a reason for Waltz’s continued employment.
As the confirmation hearing approaches, all eyes will be on Waltz and the Senate’s response to his handling of the Signal chat incident and his vision for U.S. engagement at the United Nations. Will he emerge unscathed, or will this controversy derail his nomination? The developments from tomorrow’s hearing are critical for shaping future U.S. foreign policy.