President Trump announced a significant reshuffle in his national security team, moving National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to a new role at the United Nations.
According to The Hill, Trump nominated Waltz as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations while simultaneously appointing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to serve as interim National Security Adviser, marking the first major personnel change in his second administration.
The nomination comes after Trump withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination for the UN ambassador position last month. Trump explained the withdrawal was necessary to allow Stefanik to return to her duties in House leadership, creating the vacancy Waltz will now fill.
Trump announced Waltz's nomination through his Truth Social platform, where he emphasized his confidence in the former congressman's ability to represent American interests on the global stage.
Trump shared his endorsement of Waltz's appointment, stating:
I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation's Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role.
The leadership reorganization follows a recent controversy involving Waltz and a group chat on the Signal messaging app. The incident occurred when Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a private chat where national security and defense officials were discussing details of a military strike in Yemen.
The Signal chat incident raised questions about potential consequences for both Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though Trump maintained his support for Waltz throughout the controversy.
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce expressed support for the restructuring, noting Rubio's capability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
The National Security Council recently experienced additional turnover when six officials were dismissed, including senior directors Brian Walsh, Thomas Boodry, and David Feith. While political activist Laura Loomer was reportedly involved in these dismissals, Trump minimized her influence on the decision-making process.
In related developments, State Sen. Randy Fine secured victory in the special election for Florida's 6th Congressional District, previously held by Waltz.
Fine's win provided relief to Republican leadership, who had expressed concern about Democratic challenger Josh Weil's strong fundraising performance and polling numbers.
The special election's outcome ensures continued Republican representation in the district as Waltz transitions to his new diplomatic role.
Mike Waltz's nomination as UN ambassador represents a significant reorganization of Trump's national security team, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio taking on additional responsibilities as interim National Security Adviser. The nomination, which requires Senate confirmation, follows Waltz's controversial involvement in the Signal chat incident and comes amid broader changes within the National Security Council, including the dismissal of six officials. These developments coincide with Randy Fine's victory in the special election to fill Waltz's former congressional seat.
