Trump Shuffles National Security Team: Waltz Nominated as UN Ambassador
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant reshuffle of his national security team, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the nomination of Mike Waltz, his national security adviser, to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. The announcement follows mounting scrutiny surrounding Waltz after it was revealed he had added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat discussing sensitive military operations.
During the transition, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will simultaneously act as national security adviser while maintaining his position at the State Department. Trump took to social media to express his support for Waltz, lauding his military and congressional experience and reaffirming his commitment to national security.
Waltz’s tenure has faced challenges, particularly after revelations regarding the Signal chat, which included sensitive details about military plans against Houthi militants in Yemen. Trump previously withdrew the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik for the UN role, citing her crucial support for Republican agendas.
Waltz, who served three terms in the House representing Florida, addressed his new nomination with gratitude, while facing criticism from far-right figures, including Laura Loomer, who accused him of not being sufficiently loyal to the "Make America Great Again" agenda.
The situation around Waltz also involves Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has come under scrutiny for sharing classified information using unsecured channels. The Pentagon inspector general is investigating Hegseth’s protocols, further complicating the dynamics within the national security framework.
As Waltz prepares for the Senate confirmation process, he may face tough questioning regarding the Signal incident, giving lawmakers an opportunity to address concerns about national security practices in the Trump administration.
Source
Photo credit denvergazette.com
