President Donald Trump has nominated former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to serve as the US Ambassador to the United Nations, following Waltz’s removal from his previous role amid a national security controversy. The announcement, made on May 1, marks a significant reshuffling within Trump’s national security team.
Waltz’s departure as National Security Adviser was prompted by a security breach involving the encrypted messaging app Signal. In March 2025, he inadvertently included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in a group chat discussing classified US military operations in Yemen. The incident, dubbed “Signalgate,” raised serious concerns about the handling of sensitive information within the administration.
Despite the controversy, President Trump praised Waltz’s dedication and experience, stating, “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. I know he will do the same in his new role.” Trump also announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as acting National Security Adviser while maintaining his current duties.
Waltz’s nomination for the UN ambassador role comes after Representative Elise Stefanik withdrew from consideration to help maintain the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. The Senate confirmation process for Waltz is expected to be contentious, with Democrats likely to scrutinize his handling of classified information and the circumstances surrounding his reassignment.
As the nomination proceeds, the administration continues to seek a permanent replacement for the National Security Adviser position, with names like Steve Witkoff and Richard Grenell reportedly under consideration.
