Mike Waltz is set to face intense scrutiny from Democrats during his confirmation hearing as U.S. UN ambassador, following his involvement in a Signal group chat discussing strike plans against the Houthis. The hearing, scheduled to take place before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will focus on his past actions and his proposed reforms for the United Nations.
Waltz’s appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee comes months after he exited his job at the White House amid controversy surrounding his role in a Signal group chat with other top administration officials. The group chat, which was revealed in a report by Atlantic magazine, included discussions about strike plans against the Houthis, raising questions about national security protocols and the handling of sensitive communications.
Waltz is expected to call for reforms at the U.N. and to shift its focus back to peacekeeping. In his opening statement shared with Fox News Digital, Waltz highlighted the U.S. financial contributions to U.N. missions that have lasted decades, arguing that these efforts are more akin to nation-building than peacekeeping. He also emphasized the need to counter China’s influence and to address pervasive antisemitism within the organization.
Democrats, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth, have vowed to grill Waltz during the hearing, criticizing his involvement in the Signal group chat and questioning his qualifications for the U.N. ambassador position. Duckworth, a former military pilot, has been particularly vocal, suggesting that Waltz’s actions disqualify him from serving in the role.
However, Republicans have expressed support for Waltz, with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Jim Risch calling him a