Senate approves Waltz for UN ambassador role

By 
 September 22, 2025

The Senate just locked in Mike Waltz as America’s voice at the United Nations, a move that’s got conservatives cheering and progressives squirming. On Friday, in a tight 47-43 vote, the former Green Beret and Trump loyalist clinched the role, ending the battle and proving the MAGA agenda still has legs, the Daily Caller reported. 

This isn’t just a win for Waltz; it’s a signal that Trump’s team is ready to shake up the global stage.

In a single vote, Waltz, Trump’s former national security adviser, filled the last gap in the president’s cabinet, just as the UN General Assembly gears up in New York on September 23. The Senate’s decision came down to party loyalty, with a few surprising defectors. Three Democrats and one Republican broke ranks, showing the UN post isn’t just another desk job.

Waltz’s journey to the UN started when Trump tapped him on May 1, after his first pick, Rep. Elise Stefanik, got sidelined in March. The former Florida congressman stepped down as national security adviser the same day he was nominated. His military background and hawkish stance make him a bold choice for the diplomatic arena.

Waltz’s Path to Confirmation

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee gave Waltz the green light on July 24, but Democrats threw a wrench in the works, sending his nomination back for a do-over. By Wednesday, the committee reapproved him, with New Hampshire’s Jeanne Shaheen crossing the aisle to back him. Kentucky’s Rand Paul, the lone Republican dissenter, couldn’t stomach the pick, but his “no” didn’t stop the train.

Friday’s vote was a nail-biter, with 47 senators saying yes to Waltz’s vision for a reformed UN. Three Democrats—John Fetterman, Jeanne Shaheen, and Mark Kelly—joined the GOP, betting on Waltz to counter global threats. Their votes suggest even some liberals see the need for a strong hand at the UN.

Rand Paul’s opposition, though, raises eyebrows. He’s no fan of establishment picks, and his “no” vote hints at skepticism about Waltz’s approach to global diplomacy. Still, Paul’s lone stand didn’t sway the outcome, as Waltz cleared the hurdle with room to spare.

UN Reform on the Horizon

During his committee hearing, Waltz didn’t mince words: the UN needs “major” reform. He’s right—the bloated bureaucracy in New York often feels like a globalist playground, more talk than action. Yet, Waltz also nodded to “good and meaningful work to be done,” striking a balance that might just win over skeptics.

Waltz told Shaheen it’s “absolutely critical” for the U.S. to check China’s growing clout at the UN. Beijing’s been flexing its muscles, and Waltz’s focus on countering that influence shows he’s not there to sip coffee and smile for photos. His military grit could give America an edge in those diplomatic cage matches.

The timing couldn’t be spicier, with Russia’s war in Ukraine, China-Taiwan tensions, and Israel-Hamas talks heating up. Waltz steps into a diplomatic pressure cooker, where every word matters. Conservatives hope he’ll bring a no-nonsense approach to a body often accused of coddling tyrants.

Controversy Shadows Waltz’s Rise

Waltz’s brief stint as national security adviser wasn’t without drama. In March 2025, he raised hackles by adding The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, a known Trump critic, to a Signal chat about Houthi rebel strikes. Leaked messages later splashed across The Atlantic’s pages, sparking a firestorm.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stood by Waltz, saying Trump has “utmost confidence” in his national security team. Her defense shut down the critics, but the episode painted Waltz as a bold, if risky, operator. That kind of maverick streak might just shake up the UN’s stuffy halls.

The leaked chat incident shows Waltz isn’t afraid to stir the pot, even if it backfires. Critics call it reckless; supporters say it’s proof he’s not another cookie-cutter diplomat. Either way, it’s a reminder that Waltz’s tenure will be anything but boring.

A Conservative Win for Trump

Waltz’s confirmation, nearly eight months into Trump’s second term, caps off a cabinet that’s unapologetically conservative. His Green Beret roots and congressional record scream “America First,” a message that resonates with Trump’s base. The UN better brace for a diplomat who doesn’t bow to progressive pieties.

With the General Assembly kicking off, Waltz has no time to waste. Global tensions are sky-high, and the U.S. needs a fighter, not a pushover, in New York. Waltz’s call for UN reform could ruffle feathers, but that’s exactly what conservatives want.

Three Democrats crossing the aisle proves even some liberals see the writing on the wall: the UN needs a wake-up call. Waltz’s confirmation is a victory for those who believe America should lead, not follow, on the world stage. Let’s see if he delivers.

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