US without UN ambassador 150 days of Trump’s second term despite Waltz pick
After nearly 150 days since President Donald Trump entered office, the U.S. still does not have an ambassador to the United Nations, despite the critical role geopolitics plays in his administration. The withdrawal of Elise Stefanik from the nomination in late March led to concerns that Republicans would not be able to hold onto her New York seat in the case of a special election. As a result, Trump nominated former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz for the top job on May 1.
However, the nomination process for Waltz has been slow to move forward. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which needs to vote on his confirmation before a full Senate vote can be cast, only confirmed receipt of the nomination on Thursday. This delay in the process comes more than 45 days after Waltz’s nomination was first announced.
Despite comments from a GOP staffer in early May claiming that the committee was working at a historically fast pace and that Waltz’s nomination would be a priority, the committee was unable to confirm when Waltz’s hearing and subsequent vote would take place on Monday. When questioned about the delay in confirming receipt of the nomination, the committee directed inquiries to the White House, which did not immediately respond.
The absence of a U.S. ambassador to the U.N. may not be considered “dangerous,” but it weakens the country’s ability to influence major geopolitical situations. Brett Schaefer, an expert on international organizations, explained that the U.S. lacks senior leadership and supporting political staff in New York, which diminishes its diplomatic influence and negotiating power with other missions and the Secretariat.
While the U.S. still holds a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council and can exercise veto powers, having an ambassador in place is crucial for direct communication with the president and greater diplomatic influence on the international stage. The United Nations serves as a critical platform for addressing global conflicts and crises, and the absence of U.S. representation allows adversaries to go unchallenged.
In a world filled with conflicts like Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s conflicts in Gaza and with Iran, it is essential for the U.S. to have its voice heard at the U.N. to ensure its interests are represented and its adversaries are not given free rein. The U.N. is a key arena for global diplomacy, and the presence of a U.S. ambassador is vital for advancing American foreign policy goals.
In conclusion, the delay in confirming a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations hampers the country’s ability to effectively engage with international partners and address pressing global challenges. It is imperative for the Senate to expedite the confirmation process for Mike Waltz to ensure that the U.S. has a strong diplomatic presence at the U.N. and can effectively advocate for its interests on the world stage.
