President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday, May 1, 2025, that Mike Waltz, his national security adviser, will be nominated as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take over as acting national security adviser, continuing to lead the State Department.
Trump stated, “Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN.”
*Waltz’s Departure*
Waltz is leaving the administration after controversy surrounding his inclusion of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal chat discussing military plans.
Waltz took “full responsibility” for the mistake.
However, far-right ally Laura Loomer had been pressuring Trump to purge aides deemed insufficiently loyal to the “Make America Great Again” agenda.
Loomer appeared to take credit for Waltz’s departure, posting “SCALP” on social media.
*Concerns About Defense Secretary Hegseth*
Waltz’s resignation comes amid questions about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s role in the Signal chat, where he shared sensitive information about warplane launches and bomb drops.
The Pentagon inspector general is investigating Hegseth’s use of Signal, and he has faced criticism from Democrats and some Republicans.
Despite this, Trump has maintained public confidence in Hegseth.
*Trump’s Statement*
Trump wrote on social media:
“I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations.
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.”
Rubio will serve as National Security Advisor while continuing his strong leadership at the State Department.
Mike Waltz, as a congressman from Florida and a former Green Beret, has been quite vocal on issues related to national security and foreign policy.
Critics say Waltz’ nomination as a UN envoy would make sense.
This is if the Trump administration or a new administration seeks to appoint someone with a strong defense background and a reputation for advocacy on global security issues.
It would be interesting to see how his military experience and political experience influence his approach to diplomacy at the UN.
Trump reportedly stood by Waltz publicly throughout the controversy surrounding the Signal chat leak.
It was a case where Waltz inadvertently added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a group chat discussing military plans.
Trump’s confidence in Waltz seemed to continue, with his nomination of Waltz for the UN ambassador role, praising his work in putting “our Nation’s Interests first”.
Vice President JD Vance described the move as a strategic reassignment rather than a dismissal, highlighting Waltz’s successful reforms within the National Security Council.
Vance believes Waltz will better serve the administration as UN ambassador, focusing on representing American interests.