U.S. Decides Not to Elevate UN Ambassador Mike Waltz to Cabinet Rank
After months of delays, the Senate narrowly confirmed Mike Waltz as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, filling the last vacancy in President Trump’s team. The White House has decided not to elevate the U.N. envoy to Cabinet rank, meaning Waltz will likely have reduced direct access to the president and will need to route major decisions through Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
International
Politics
🔍 Key Facts
- The Senate confirmed Mike Waltz as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on Sept. 19, 2025, in a narrow vote — outlets reported final tallies as 47–43 and 47–45; Democrats John Fetterman, Jeanne Shaheen and Mark Kelly were among those who voted yes, and Sen. Rand Paul voted no. Shaheen backed the nomination and secured release of $75 million in authorized lifesaving assistance.
- Waltz’s confirmation fills the last vacancy in President Trump’s Cabinet after roughly eight to nine months without a U.S. representative at the U.N.; the nomination faced delays, was sent back to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a procedural setback, and was re‑approved before the confirmation. A previous nominee withdrew during the process.
- The Senate did not vote on a separate measure to formally designate Waltz as the U.S. representative to the U.N. General Assembly because of Democratic objections, leaving his participation in the upcoming U.N. General Assembly unclear.
- The White House decided not to give the U.N. ambassador Cabinet rank. As a non‑Cabinet envoy, Waltz will likely need to route major decisions through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reducing his direct access to the president; White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly gave an on‑the‑record statement supporting his role. The next Cabinet meeting is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2025, highlighting near‑term protocol implications.
- Background issues include Waltz’s earlier dismissal from the National Security Council after the so‑called 'Signalgate' group‑chat incident about Yemen strikes, and reports that President Trump previously withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik from consideration to avoid shrinking the GOP House majority.
- Waltz has laid out an assertive agenda at the U.N.: he has publicly vowed to withhold U.S. taxpayer funding until 'sweeping reforms' are made (and confirmed the U.S. has withheld its 2025 contribution), pledged to 'root out antisemitism' and eliminate 'woke' programs, pushed for a more aggressive U.S. posture on telecommunications, aviation and space, criticized three mishaps during the president’s U.N. speech (an escalator malfunction, teleprompter failure and brief audio switch) as 'unacceptable,' and said those incidents are under investigation with cooperation from the U.N. secretary‑general.
📰 Sources (6)
U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz isn't part of Trump's Cabinet, sources say
New information:
- White House has decided not to designate the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations as a Cabinet‑level position.
- As a non‑Cabinet envoy, Ambassador Mike Waltz will likely need to run major decisions through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reducing his direct access to the president.
- White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly provided an on‑the‑record quote supporting Waltz's role despite the non‑Cabinet designation.
- The article notes the next Cabinet meeting is scheduled for Oct. 9, 2025, underscoring near‑term protocol implications.
Waltz calls UN mishaps during Trump speech ‘unacceptable,’ vows funding freeze until reforms
New information:
- Ambassador Mike Waltz publicly vowed to withhold U.S. taxpayer funding to the U.N. until 'sweeping reforms' are implemented.
- Waltz confirmed the United States 'has withheld this year'—an explicit confirmation the U.S. contribution has not been paid for 2025.
- Waltz described three separate mishaps during President Trump’s U.N. speech (escalator malfunction, teleprompter failure, audio briefly switching to Portuguese) and called them 'unacceptable' and potentially serious.
- He said the incidents are under investigation by the Secret Service and that the U.N. Secretary‑General pledged cooperation.
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: UN Ambassador Waltz takes on the haters
New information:
- Waltz intends to 'root out antisemitism' at the U.N. and to 'eliminate "woke" programs' there.
- Waltz is reported to push for a more aggressive U.S. posture in telecommunications, aviation and space at the U.N.
- Attributed phrasing reported: 'Make the U.N. great again.'
Trump's final Cabinet pick, Mike Waltz, confirmed by Senate in narrow vote
New information:
- Final vote reported as 47–45, with Democrats John Fetterman, Jeanne Shaheen and Mark Kelly voting yes and Republican Rand Paul voting no.
- Confirmation completes Trump’s Cabinet and ends a near nine‑month gap without a U.S. representative at the U.N.
- Background on Waltz’s dismissal from the National Security Council after the 'Signalgate' incident involving a group chat with senior officials about Yemen strikes.
- Trump previously pulled Rep. Elise Stefanik from consideration to avoid shrinking the GOP’s narrow House majority for his 'big, beautiful bill.'
- Waltz’s hearing stance: advocated U.N. reforms, saying the body has drifted from its peacemaking mission.
Senate confirms Mike Waltz as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations after months of delays
New information:
- The Senate did not vote on a separate measure to formally designate Waltz as a U.S. representative to the U.N. General Assembly due to Democratic objections, leaving his participation in next week’s UNGA unclear.
- Waltz’s nomination faced a recent procedural setback that sent it back to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which re-approved it on Wednesday.
- A State Department spokesperson said they worked closely with the White House to advance nominees quickly, while a Democratic aide said the administration showed 'no urgency' to get Waltz confirmed before UNGA.
- His confirmation fills the last vacancy in President Trump’s Cabinet after eight months of delays and a previous nominee’s withdrawal.
Senate confirms Mike Waltz as Trump's U.N. ambassador
New information:
- Vote: 47–43 Senate confirmation on Sept. 19, 2025
- Post had been vacant for eight months; last Cabinet member confirmed
- Shaheen supported the nomination and secured release of $75 million in authorized lifesaving assistance; Rand Paul was the lone GOP committee “no”