Former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has pledged to spearhead reform efforts at the United Nations during his confirmation hearing as President Donald Trump’s new ambassador to the international organization. During the process, Waltz criticized the U.N. as a bloated and politically polarized institution that has strayed from its core mission of peacemaking. He aligned himself with Trump’s administration by advocating for a reevaluation of U.N. spending, suggesting that the organization should refocus on its foundational principles.
Waltz, reflecting the administration’s approach to domestic spending cuts, emphasized that the U.S. government is conducting reviews to assess how the U.N. manages its budget. He argued that the body should be streamlined, stating that its current state is too large and overly politicized. Highlighting issues such as antisemitism at the U.N., Waltz pointed to reports on racism in U.S. law enforcement and the seizure of land from Native Americans as examples of the U.N.’s radical politicization. He called for the U.N. to be a ‘one place where everyone can talk,’ a stark contrast to what he described as its current drift from peace-making.
During the hearing, Waltz also committed to countering China’s rising influence within the U.N. and questioned the relevance of several U.N. agencies, including those focused on climate change and environmental protection. The U.S., being the largest financial contributor to the U.N., is reportedly considering a cut of $1 billion in federal funding as part of its broader fiscal strategy. This move could lead to a deepening financial crisis for the organization, which already faces budget difficulties. The Senate is expected to vote on the proposed cuts as soon as this week, marking a pivotal moment for U.N. reforms.
Waltz’s remarks during the hearing drew scrutiny from Senate Democrats, who raised concerns about his role in the Signalgate scandal and his past stance on military actions against Iran. Despite this, Democrats also questioned the administration’s plan to balance its efforts to reduce U.N. contributions while maintaining its global influence. The hearing marked Waltz’s first major public appearance since he left Trump’s national security team in May, where he reportedly clashed with senior officials over military decisions. As the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. is the last remaining Trump Cabinet position to be filled, the timing of this confirmation hearing has taken on added significance for the organization’s future.