Former national security adviser Michael Waltz, who served under the Trump administration, testified before Congress on Tuesday as part of his nomination hearing for the position of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. During the hearing, Waltz reiterated the administration’s position on a Signal group chat that had been the subject of controversy. The chat, used by senior officials to discuss military strategies and war plans, became a focal point during the proceedings.
The hearing, which was part of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s process, aimed to assess Waltz’s qualifications for the ambassadorial role. Critics argued that the use of encrypted messaging platforms like Signal for sensitive communications raised concerns about transparency and accountability. Waltz, however, defended the practice, stating that it was standard procedure for discussing high-level national security matters.
The discussion over the Signal chat comes amid ongoing debates about the balance between national security and public accountability. While Waltz emphasized the necessity of secure communication channels for officials, some lawmakers questioned whether the use of such platforms should be subject to greater oversight. The hearing highlighted broader issues regarding government transparency and the handling of classified information in the context of diplomatic appointments.