Trump Taps Mike Waltz for U.N. Ambassador Role Amid Signal Chat Controversy

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Trump Taps Mike Waltz for U.N. Ambassador Role Amid Signal Chat Controversy

 

Former national security adviser Mike Waltz is poised to take on a new diplomatic role following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate Waltz as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The move comes despite recent controversy involving Waltz and a high-level messaging group mishap that drew scrutiny over national security procedures.

 

 

“From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been named interim national security adviser, taking on the role alongside his other duties.

 

Responding to the nomination, Waltz wrote on X, “I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation.”

 

Waltz, who previously served as a congressman from Florida, had been on uncertain footing within the administration since March. At the time, he mistakenly added a journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a private Signal chat among national security officials that included discussions of military strikes in Yemen. The error, which quickly became public, fueled concerns over the handling of sensitive information.

 

“I take full responsibility. I built the — I built the group,” Waltz said in a March interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox News. “My job is to make sure everything’s coordinated.”

 

Initially, Trump defended Waltz, telling NBC News, “Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and he’s a good man.” But his support appeared to cool in recent weeks. Speaking to The Atlantic, Trump emphasized that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also participated in the chat, was “safe.” When asked if Hegseth would outlast Waltz, Trump said, “Waltz is fine. I mean, he’s here. He just left this office. He’s fine. He was beat up also.”

 

Despite public assurances, sources close to the administration revealed that Trump had privately expressed frustration with Waltz in the aftermath of the incident. Waltz was noticeably absent from a Rose Garden ceremony attended by senior officials, and he went unmentioned during Trump’s remarks.

 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the administration’s response, arguing that both Waltz and Hegseth should be held accountable. “Look, they should fire him, but they’re firing the wrong guy. They should be firing Hegseth,” Schumer said.

 

Waltz, meanwhile, remained loyal. At a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, he praised Trump’s leadership, saying, “We’ve had 100 days of your leadership, with respect, with strength. It’s an honor to serve you in this administration, and I think the world is far better and far safer for it.”

 

Previously considered for the U.N. ambassador post was Rep. Elise Stefanik, but Trump withdrew her nomination in March, citing the narrow Republican majority in the House. “She is phenomenal, number one. She is a friend of mine,” Trump said, “but we have a slim margin. We don’t want to take any chances.”

 

Waltz’s nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, unlike his former post as national security adviser. The Signal chat episode is expected to be a point of contention during confirmation hearings.

 

As a legislator, Waltz had advocated for a traditional conservative approach to foreign policy but gradually aligned with Trump’s more transactional worldview. He was seen as a balancing voice on Ukraine policy, favoring continued military aid while pushing for a diplomatic resolution. However, Trump has repeatedly voiced criticism of Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, often rejecting calls for increased support.

 

Waltz also struggled to maintain influence within the administration, often sidelined by Trump’s unpredictability and the rising prominence of special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been central in talks with Vladimir Putin and Middle Eastern leaders.

 

Trump’s appointment of Rubio to serve as interim national security adviser marks his third temporary leadership role this year. “Marco, when I have a problem, I call up Marco. He gets it solved,” Trump said at the Rose Garden event.

 

Waltz’s future now rests in the hands of the Senate, where his ability to navigate a contentious confirmation process will determine whether he can represent the U.S. on the world stage at the United Nations.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from NBC  2025-05-02