Senate approves Mike Waltz for UN ambassador role

In a nail-biting Senate vote, Mike Waltz, a seasoned military veteran and former national security adviser to President Donald Trump, has clinched the role of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. It’s a victory for those who value strong, unapologetic leadership in global affairs, especially at a time when the world stage looks more like a powder keg than a diplomatic tea party.

With a tight 47-43 vote split largely along party lines, the Senate gave Waltz the green light on a Friday afternoon, wrapping up the last empty spot in Trump’s cabinet nearly eight months into his second term.

Waltz’s journey to this post hasn’t been a walk in the park, starting with his nomination on May 1, right after stepping down as national security adviser. His predecessor for the nomination, Rep. Elise Stefanik, saw her bid pulled by the White House in late March, clearing the way for Waltz to step into the spotlight.

Waltz’s Path Through Senate Scrutiny

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee first approved Waltz on July 24, but Democrats raised eyebrows, sending his nomination back for a second round in early September. He passed muster again on Wednesday, with New Hampshire’s Sen. Jeanne Shaheen breaking ranks to support him, while Kentucky’s Sen. Rand Paul stood as the lone Republican dissenter.

During his committee hearing, Waltz didn’t mince words, declaring the UN needs “major” reform while still acknowledging there’s “good” work to be done. Well, isn’t that refreshing—a realist who sees the mess but doesn’t throw out the baby with the bathwater? It’s high time someone tackled the UN’s bureaucratic bloat without pretending it’s all rainbows and goodwill.

Waltz also told Shaheen it’s “absolutely critical” for America to counter China’s expanding clout at the UN. Here’s a man who gets it: if we don’t stand firm, Beijing’s influence will turn the UN into little more than a mouthpiece for authoritarian agendas. That’s not diplomacy; it’s surrender.

Controversy Shadows Waltz’s Past Role

Let’s not pretend Waltz sailed through without baggage—his brief stint as national security adviser stirred controversy when he added Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic to a Signal chat discussing strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen. Turns out, even the sharpest minds can fumble with digital etiquette.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt quickly stepped in, affirming the president “continues to have” full trust in Waltz and the national security team. That’s a vote of confidence, though one wonders if a quick lesson in group chat privacy might be in order for future reference.

Despite the hiccup, Waltz’s credentials as a former U.S. Army Special Forces colonel and representative of Florida’s 6th congressional district from 2019 to 2025 speak volumes. This isn’t some desk jockey; he’s a battle-tested leader who’s seen conflict up close.

Global Challenges Await New Ambassador

Now, Waltz steps into the UN role at a precarious moment, with Russia’s war in Ukraine dragging on, tensions flaring between China and Taiwan, and delicate peace talks unfolding between Israel and Hamas. The world’s a chessboard, and he’s got to play a masterful game.

The Senate vote itself showed a rare crack in party unity, with Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Mark Kelly of Arizona crossing the aisle to back Waltz. Perhaps they see what many conservatives do: competence matters more than partisan posturing.

Rand Paul’s lone Republican “no” vote raises questions about internal GOP fractures, but let’s not overthink it. Sometimes a maverick just wants to remind everyone he’s not a rubber stamp, and that’s fair enough in a free-thinking party.

A Conservative Hope for UN Reform

For conservatives weary of the UN’s often progressive-leaning rhetoric, Waltz offers a glimmer of hope with his push for a serious overhaul. We’re not talking about tearing down the building, but maybe it’s time to stop funding endless committees that produce more hot air than solutions.

As Waltz takes the reins just before the UN General Assembly kicks off on September 23, the stakes couldn’t be higher. America needs a voice that’s firm, not flimsy, against adversaries who’d love to see us stumble.

With his military background and clear-eyed view on global threats, Waltz might just be the right pick to steer U.S. policy at the UN toward strength over appeasement. Here’s hoping he can cut through the diplomatic fog and prioritize American interests without apology.