President Donald Trump announced that he will nominate Mike Waltz to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, calling him a “patriot who has always put America First.”
The decision comes after months of internal deliberation and behind-the-scenes discussion about changes at the National Security Council (NSC).
According to sources close to the matter, Waltz’s departure stems from concerns about personnel oversight and a high-profile misstep involving classified military planning.
However, President Trump has made it clear that Mike Waltz is not being pushed out, but rather reassigned to a new, critical diplomatic role. “From the battlefield to Congress and now in the White House, Mike Waltz has been a tireless defender of America’s interests,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He will bring the same tenacity and patriotism to the United Nations,” as an U.S. ambassador.
In the interim, Secretary of State Marco Rubio — a key figure in Trump’s foreign policy team — will take on the additional role of national security adviser, while continuing to lead the State Department.
This dual appointment underscores the president’s confidence in Rubio’s leadership during a pivotal time for U.S. foreign relations.
Waltz confirmed the news in a post on X, writing: “I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation. Let’s get to work.”
I’m deeply honored to continue my service to President Trump and our great nation. pic.twitter.com/FFTPjnIYkI
— Mike Waltz (@MikeWaltz47) May 1, 2025
Signal Incident Revisited
While Trump’s decision has the appearance of a promotion, some within the administration acknowledge the move also serves to distance Waltz from previous controversies.
The most notable was the so-called “Signal scandal,” in which Waltz inadvertently included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg from The Atlantic in a private chat thread discussing military strike plans on Houthi targets in Yemen.
Trump stood by Waltz at the time, calling him “a good man” who had “learned a lesson.” The president’s support helped quell demands for immediate resignation, and the administration instead opted for a slower, quieter transition — now culminating in Waltz’s nomination to a top diplomatic post.
Staff Turnover and Internal Tensions
The departure of Waltz coincides with broader personnel changes at the NSC. Deputy National Security Adviser Alex Wong’s future remains uncertain, with sources indicating he may also step down. Wong previously served in Trump’s first term, including during summit negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
This follows a wave of firings earlier this month, when at least six NSC staffers were let go. One source attributed the shakeup to the influence of conservative activist Laura Loomer, who reportedly delivered opposition research on certain NSC members she considered disloyal or ideologically out of step with Trump’s agenda.
Notably, speculation over who will permanently fill the national security adviser post is already underway. While U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff is said to be unlikely, names floated by administration insiders include Trump loyalists such as Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Counterterrorism Director Seb Gorka. Ric Grenell, another trusted Trump ally, publicly declined interest in the role.
Senate Confirmation Ahead
Waltz’s path to the U.N. will not be without hurdles. While some Republicans have voiced support — Senator John Cornyn said he was “glad [Waltz] is staying in the administration” — Democrats are expected to scrutinize his confirmation closely, especially over the Signal controversy.
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) acknowledged Waltz had accepted responsibility for the error, but warned that the confirmation hearing “would be pretty brutal.”