Trump nominates Waltz for UN ambassador role amid Signal app controversy

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations, just four months after Waltz resigned from Congress.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed the administration’s support for Waltz’s new appointment, emphasising that both he and Trump have full confidence in Waltz.

“I think you could make a good argument that it’s a promotion,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News’ Special Report.

The vice president added that Waltz had implemented key reforms at the National Security Council (NSC) and that the White House believes he is better suited for a Senate-confirmed diplomatic post at this stage.

Trump formally announced the nomination on his Truth Social platform, praising Waltz’s service in the military, Congress, and the White House.

“Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first. I know he will do the same in his new role,” Trump wrote.

In the meantime, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve as acting National Security Advisor while maintaining his duties at the State Department.

Waltz’s departure from the NSC follows a recent controversy surrounding the use of the encrypted messaging app Signal. In late March, he mistakenly added The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal chat titled “Houthi PC small group,” where top officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, allegedly discussed the timing of military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, has insisted the information he shared in the chat was not classified. However, Democrats questioned that claim, citing the sensitive nature of the discussion. The Pentagon’s acting inspector general has since launched an investigation into Hegseth’s conduct.

Vice President Vance dismissed the incident as a “nothingburger” and insisted Waltz’s reassignment was not connected to what has been dubbed “Signalgate.” He reiterated that the shift reflects the administration’s confidence in Waltz’s abilities, not a response to controversy.

By Sabina Mammadli