In a razor-thin vote that could reshape America’s voice on the global stage, the Senate confirmed former Florida congressman and Army Green Beret Mike Waltz as President Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Breitbart reported that on Friday, with a vote of 47-43, Waltz secured his spot just in time to represent the nation at the upcoming UN General Assembly’s high-level session in New York, where pressing issues like Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and Israel’s actions against Hamas will dominate discussions.
The confirmation wasn’t a walk in the park, as most Democrats opposed Waltz, likely bristling at his unapologetic critique of international bureaucracies.
Still, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire crossed party lines, pointing to his impressive credentials as justification. It’s refreshing to see at least one Democrat prioritize qualifications over partisan posturing.
Interestingly, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the lone Republican dissenter, voted no, unhappy with Waltz’s past stances on U.S. troop withdrawals from Afghanistan.
While Paul’s concern for military overreach is valid, Waltz’s battlefield experience in Africa and the Middle East could be just what’s needed to cut through UN red tape.
During his confirmation hearing in July 2025, Waltz didn’t mince words, calling the UN a bloated mess that’s quadrupled its revenue over two decades without delivering more peace. He’s got a point—when U.S. taxpayers are shelling out $13 billion annually while some nations barely chip in, it’s time for a reckoning.
Waltz’s pledge to push for reforms, like slashing overlapping agencies and backing a 20% staff cut proposed by the Secretary General, signals he’s not just there to sip coffee at Turtle Bay. If he can trim the fat and refocus peacekeeping missions with clear mandates and cost caps, American interests might finally get a fair shake.
On the issue of bias, Waltz pulled no punches, accusing the UN of systematically targeting Israel with far more resolutions than against all other nations combined from 2015 to 2023. When an organization obsesses over one country while ignoring others’ misdeeds, you’ve got to wonder if “fairness” is just a buzzword in their dictionary.
He also aimed at UNRWA, alleging ties to Hamas through staff and antisemitic teachings in its programs, and called for its complete dismantlement.
It’s a bold stance, but if aid isn’t reaching the desperate due to corruption, as Waltz claims from his military observations, then what’s the point of funding it?
Then there’s China, which Waltz criticized for clinging to “developing nation” status at the UN despite being an economic giant.
With Beijing’s growing sway over international standards within the body, his warning about eroding fair competition hits home—America can’t afford to play second fiddle to a rival gaming the system.
Teaming up with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Waltz aims to restore accountability to a system he sees as slipping. It’s a tall order, but if anyone can navigate this diplomatic minefield, it’s a man who’s worn both combat boots and congressional pins.
Supporters like Sen. Mike Lee of Utah didn’t hold back, calling Waltz “one of the most well-qualified nominees” for the post in U.S. history.
High praise, sure, but when you’ve got a Green Beret colonel who’s advised Defense Secretaries and served three terms in Congress, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming and Jim Risch of Idaho echoed that sentiment, lauding Waltz’s practical approach and dedication to protecting American taxpayers. In a world where every dollar counts, having a watchdog over UN spending is a win for folks back home.
Waltz himself summed up his mission with a rallying cry to “make the UN great again” by sharpening its focus on peacekeeping and safeguarding U.S. sovereignty. It’s a catchy line, but the real test is whether he can turn rhetoric into results amid a sea of globalist agendas.
As he steps into the UN General Assembly next week, leaders from 193 nations will be watching how Waltz handles the spotlight on crises like Ukraine and the Middle East. The stage is set for him to prove that America’s interests won’t be sidelined by bureaucratic bloat or biased resolutions.