Mike Waltz Advances Toward Confirmation as UN Ambassador

Mike Waltz’s bid to become the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations has moved a step closer to approval after passing a critical Senate committee vote.

In a narrow 12–10 vote, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee recommended Waltz for a full Senate vote, with bipartisan support from Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who crossed party lines to back him. Shaheen cited agreements from the State Department to release approximately $75 million in aid to Nigeria and Haiti as a factor in her decision.

Shaheen described Waltz as a stabilizing influence and pledged to hold him accountable once confirmed. She emphasized, “In a room filled with officials like Vice President Vance and Under Secretary Colby, I believe having someone like Mike Waltz is beneficial.”

Mike Waltz testifying at a Senate hearing. — Waltz was nominated after a previous controversy involving classified communications.

However, his nomination faced hurdles. Senator Rand Paul, a libertarian-leaning Republican, expressed reservations about Waltz’s hawkish foreign policy stance. Despite agreeing to move his nomination forward, Paul did not endorse a recommendation, prompting efforts by Republicans to garner Shaheen’s support.

During his confirmation hearing, Waltz was questioned about his past involvement in discussions on troop deployments in Afghanistan during the Trump administration. Additionally, his reputation was overshadowed by “Signalgate” — an incident where, in March, Waltz mistakenly added Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal group chat discussing potential military strikes against the Houthis, revealing sensitive information. The leak was later publicly disclosed, including detailed plans from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen speaking at a Senate hearing. — Senator Jeanne Shaheen, initially hesitant, supported Waltz after diplomacy secured aid commitments.

President Trump initially nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik to the UN role but withdrew her name amid political considerations. Currently, Dorothy Shea serves as the interim U.S. ambassador to the UN.

Waltz had also been questioned on the Signalgate incident during the hearings, as critics challenged his judgment. In the transition period before his confirmation, he continued to receive a salary from the White House to advise on security matters.