The U.S. Senate has confirmed Michael Waltz as the new ambassador to the United Nations, filling a critical diplomatic post just days before global leaders descend on New York for the annual General Assembly. The 47-43 vote on September 19, 2025, followed party lines for the most part, but included some notable crossovers: Democratic Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire joined nearly every Republican in support, while Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky broke with his party to oppose the nomination, according to Reuters and other major outlets.
Waltz, a retired Green Beret, former Florida congressman, and President Donald Trump’s most recent national security adviser, steps into a job that’s been vacant since the start of Trump’s second term on January 20. The confirmation comes after months of political wrangling and maneuvering on Capitol Hill, as well as a series of high-profile missteps and controversies that nearly derailed his appointment.
One of the most contentious moments in Waltz’s confirmation process came during his Senate hearing in July. Senator Rand Paul grilled Waltz over his vote in 2020 as a member of Congress in favor of an amendment that would have limited then-President Trump’s ability to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Paul’s opposition, based on concerns about executive war powers and the legacy of America’s longest conflict, threatened to sink the nomination, according to reporting from multiple sources. However, Senator Jeanne Shaheen reportedly brokered a deal with Senate Republicans and the Trump administration: in exchange for her support of Waltz, foreign-aid spending that had been held up would be released.
Waltz’s confirmation also comes after a turbulent stint as national security adviser. Trump ousted Waltz from that role on May 1, 2025, replacing him on an interim basis with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who continues to serve in both capacities. Waltz’s tenure was marred by the so-called “Signalgate” scandal, in which he inadvertently added the editor of The Atlantic magazine to a private Signal app chat detailing plans for an imminent U.S. bombing campaign in Yemen. The Atlantic subsequently published details of the internal deliberations, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and raising questions about Waltz’s judgment and handling of sensitive information.
The ambassador post had remained empty for months, after Trump withdrew his first nominee, Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, in March 2025. The move was widely seen as an effort to keep Stefanik in the House, where Republicans hold only a slim majority and need every vote to advance the president’s “America First” agenda. With Waltz’s confirmation, the last major vacancy in Trump’s administration has finally been filled—just in time for the U.N.’s biggest annual gathering.
At his Senate confirmation hearing, Waltz struck a combative tone, pledging to fight antisemitism at the United Nations and to support Israel. He also called for sweeping reforms at the world body, saying, “The U.N. needs reform and Washington must have a strong voice to counter China.” Waltz added, “I am confident we can make the U.N. great again,” echoing the slogan that has become synonymous with Trump’s political movement. According to Reuters, Waltz’s remarks signaled a continuation of the administration’s tough stance on multilateral institutions and rival powers, particularly Beijing.
Republican lawmakers welcomed Waltz’s confirmation. Representative Brian Mast of Florida, chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement, “A Green Beret, combat veteran and proven foreign policy leader, Mike understands both the costs of war and the necessity of peace through strength. He’ll put America first at the U.N.” The praise from Mast and others underscores the administration’s emphasis on military experience and a hawkish approach to global affairs.
Despite the celebratory mood among Republicans, the vote revealed deep partisan divisions. Most Democrats opposed Waltz’s nomination, citing concerns over his recent missteps and his past positions on foreign policy. Senator Paul, the lone Republican dissenter, remained steadfast in his critique, arguing that Waltz’s stance on Afghanistan and his handling of classified information raised serious red flags. According to the Associated Press, Paul’s opposition reflected broader anxieties within Congress about the direction of U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s second term.
Waltz’s confirmation was timed to coincide with the upcoming U.N. General Assembly, where world leaders will gather to discuss pressing global issues. However, there is still some uncertainty about Waltz’s exact role at the assembly. The Senate confirmed him as ambassador and U.S. representative on the Security Council, but not specifically as the representative at the General Assembly itself. “We are ready to receive his credentials as soon as the U.S. side is ready,” U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters, suggesting that some procedural steps remain before Waltz can fully assume his duties in New York.
The backdrop to Waltz’s appointment is a world in turmoil. As the U.S. government finalizes its diplomatic lineup, Israel’s military continues its assault on Gaza City and the wider Gaza Strip, with 34 Palestinians reported dead in recent attacks, according to Gazan health authorities. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the growing rivalry with China, and the need for reform at international institutions like the U.N. all loom large as Waltz prepares to take up his new role.
For the Trump administration, Waltz’s confirmation is a victory—albeit a hard-fought one. It fills a key gap in the president’s foreign policy team and ensures that the U.S. will have a strong, if controversial, voice at the United Nations during a critical period. For Waltz himself, the job is both an honor and a daunting challenge. As a decorated veteran, former lawmaker, and seasoned national security official, he brings a wealth of experience to the table. But the controversies that have dogged his career—most recently the “Signalgate” episode—will likely follow him to New York, where the stakes are nothing short of global.
With the world’s attention turning to the U.N. General Assembly, all eyes will be on Waltz as he steps onto the international stage. Whether he can deliver on his promises of reform, restore American influence, and navigate the complex web of global diplomacy remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the United States once again has an ambassador at the United Nations, and Michael Waltz is ready to make his mark.
