Trump Nominates Mike Waltz as UN Ambassador After NSC Exit, Appoints Rubio as Interim Advisor
Former President Donald Trump has announced his nomination of Mike Waltz, his recently ousted National Security Advisor, to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform on Thursday, came just hours after news of Waltz’s departure from the National Security Council (NSC) surfaced, marking a significant shakeup in the administration’s foreign policy team.
"I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations," Trump declared in his post. He praised Waltz’s dedication to national interests, highlighting his service "in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress, and as my National Security Advisor." Trump expressed confidence that Waltz would continue to prioritize American interests in his new role.
To fill the void left by Waltz’s departure, Trump announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would simultaneously serve as interim National Security Advisor, while continuing his leadership at the State Department. Trump emphasized the combined efforts of Rubio and Waltz, stating, "Together, we will continue to fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN."
Waltz responded to the nomination on X, expressing his deep honor "to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation." The swift appointment underscores Trump’s confidence in Waltz, despite the circumstances surrounding his exit from the NSC.
The move echoes a historical precedent set by President Richard Nixon in 1973, when he appointed then-National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger to also serve as Secretary of State. This dual role highlights the close relationship and alignment of policy between the NSC and the State Department, a dynamic Trump appears to be replicating.
Waltz’s departure from the NSC followed a series of high-profile exits from the executive office, marking a significant restructuring within the second Trump administration. His exit comes on the heels of the Signal chat leak controversy in March. This involved the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine being inadvertently added to a group chat with high-profile Trump officials, including Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The group was discussing potential military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The incident triggered speculation about Waltz’s future in the administration, though officials maintained that no classified material was shared in the chat and that Trump retained confidence in his NSC team. Nevertheless, the chat leak added to the perception of instability within the administration and fueled rumors of personnel changes.
Prior to Waltz’s nomination, several names had been circulating as potential candidates for the UN Ambassador role after Rep. Elise Stefanik withdrew her nomination in March. These included David Friedman, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, Ellie Cohanim, former deputy special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism at the State Department, and Richard Grenell, a former special presidential envoy. However, Grenell publicly stated his disinterest in the position, declaring a "hard no" on serving as UN ambassador.
Stefanik had been Trump’s initial choice for the role, announced in November 2024 following his successful election against former Vice President Kamala Harris. However, she withdrew her nomination due to concerns about the GOP’s slim majority in the House and the potential for it to diminish further in her absence. Her departure opened the door for other potential nominees, ultimately leading to Waltz’s selection.
Trump publicly acknowledged Stefanik’s decision, stating that she would "remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength." He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong Republican majority in the House, particularly given the "very tight Majority" and the desire to avoid any risk of losing Stefanik’s seat.
Stefanik explained her decision to Sean Hannity on Fox News, citing both the GOP’s margin in the House and the need to combat Democratic "corruption" in New York under Governor Kathy Hochul. She emphasized the importance of her continued presence in the House to deliver victories for President Trump and the American people.
The selection of Waltz signals Trump’s commitment to a specific foreign policy approach at the United Nations, likely reflecting his "America First" agenda and skepticism towards international organizations.
During Trump’s first term, the US Ambassadors to the UN were Nikki Haley and Kelly Craft, both of whom pursued policies aligned with Trump’s priorities, including challenging multilateral agreements and advocating for reforms within the UN system.
Upon assuming office, Trump implemented cuts to U.S. involvement with programs under the UN’s umbrella, including ending U.S. engagement with the U.N. Human Rights Council and ceasing funding for the U.N. relief agency for Gaza. These actions reflected his broader skepticism towards the UN and his belief that the organization was not effectively addressing global challenges.
"I’ve always felt that the U.N. has tremendous potential," Trump stated in February while signing the executive order that made cuts to U.S. involvement with U.N. groups. "It’s not being well-run." He further argued that the UN should play a more active role in resolving international conflicts, lamenting the lack of assistance the U.S. received from the organization.
The nomination of Mike Waltz as UN Ambassador is expected to face scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans, particularly given his recent departure from the NSC and the circumstances surrounding the Signal chat leak. His confirmation hearings are likely to be contentious, with senators questioning his qualifications, policy positions, and judgment. Nevertheless, with a Republican majority in the Senate, Trump’s nomination is likely to be confirmed.
