President Donald Trump has tapped Mike Waltz, his National Security Advisor, to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. This move, announced on May 1, 2025, comes amid reports of friction between Waltz and the president’s inner circle.
The Daily Caller reported that Trump revealed Waltz’s nomination in a statement, praising his service in the military, Congress, and as National Security Advisor. Waltz’s tenure in the White House was marked by tensions with top aides and a high-profile security breach.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will step in as interim National Security Advisor while continuing to lead the State Department.
Waltz’s challenges began earlier this year with an incident dubbed “Signalgate.” A report by The Atlantic disclosed that its editor, a vocal Trump critic, was mistakenly included in a text chain discussing military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
This blunder exposed vulnerabilities in Waltz’s leadership and sparked distrust among Trump’s team.
Following “Signalgate,” Trump initially stood by Waltz, offering public support. However, Waltz’s relationship with the president soured as frustrations mounted. Several National Security Council members were dismissed in the wake of the incident, reflecting Trump’s demand for loyalty.
Activist Laura Loomer visited the Oval Office before these firings, sharing research on staffers she claimed were disloyal.
Her influence underscored the intense loyalty tests within Trump’s administration. Waltz, meanwhile, struggled to maintain his position as National Security Advisor.
Waltz’s hawkish stance on national security clashed with the non-interventionist views of some administration officials. This ideological divide fueled tensions with colleagues, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. One official remarked that Waltz treated Wiles dismissively, failing to recognize her authority as a key Trump ally.
Waltz’s strained relationships extended beyond Wiles, alienating other White House staffers. Vice President JD Vance had previously advised Waltz to work more collaboratively, but these efforts fell short. A source close to Trump noted that the president had lost confidence in Waltz well before the UN nomination.
Despite his attempts to salvage his role during the week of the announcement, Waltz could not regain Trump’s trust. His nomination to the UN post effectively removes him from the White House’s inner circle. The move allows Trump to realign his national security team with his broader objectives.
Trump’s decision to nominate Waltz reflects both a strategic pivot and a response to internal discord. Waltz’s military background and congressional experience make him a credible choice for the UN role.
Yet, his departure from the National Security Advisor position highlights the challenges of navigating Trump’s loyalty-driven administration.
Marco Rubio’s appointment as interim National Security Advisor adds significant responsibility to his plate. As Secretary of State, Rubio has already championed Trump’s foreign policy vision. His ability to juggle both roles will be closely watched as the administration tackles global challenges.
Trump expressed confidence in Rubio’s leadership, emphasizing his commitment to making America and the world safer. Rubio’s interim role ensures continuity in national security policy during this transition. His non-interventionist leanings may also align more closely with Trump’s current priorities.
Waltz’s nomination to the UN awaits Senate confirmation, a process that could draw scrutiny given his recent controversies.
His hawkish views may face pushback from lawmakers favoring restraint in foreign policy. Still, Waltz’s experience could position him to advance Trump’s agenda on the global stage.
The “Signalgate” fallout and Waltz’s exit underscore Trump’s intolerance for perceived disloyalty. The involvement of figures like Loomer highlights the influence of external voices in shaping White House decisions. Such dynamics reflect the unique culture of Trump’s administration, where loyalty often trumps expertise.
Waltz’s struggles with staff, particularly Wiles, reveal the high stakes of internal politics in Trump’s White House. One official described Wiles as embodying the president’s will, making Waltz’s missteps particularly costly. Disrespect toward her was seen as a betrayal of Trump himself.