Mike Waltz faces tough Senate hearing over “Signalgate,” but is expected to be confirmed as U.S. ambassador to the UN.

Confirmation Hearing Follows ‘Signalgate’ Controversy

Mike Waltz, a former National Security Advisor and retired Army National Guard colonel, is set to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his confirmation as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The hearing comes months after Waltz’s exit from the White House, following a controversy involving a Signal group chat with other top officials that discussed military strikes against the Houthis in March.

Democrats have pledged to press Waltz hard during the confirmation process, raising concerns about his role in the so-called “Signalgate” scandal, which was detailed in reporting by The Atlantic. The chat, initiated by Waltz’s team, included details on military operations, with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sharing specifics about aircraft and timing. Waltz has accepted full responsibility for the group chat and maintains that no war plans were compromised, but the episode has drawn intense scrutiny.

Despite the controversy, Waltz’s confirmation is widely expected, given the Republican Party’s 53–47 majority in the Senate. “It’s all theater — you know he’s going to get confirmed,” a GOP foreign relations source stated, arguing that the issue, while politically charged, was not enough to derail his nomination. Previous attempts by Democrats to hold officials accountable for the Signal chat have failed to result in firings or impeachments.

Democratic Concerns and GOP Support

Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee and a decorated veteran, has been one of the most vocal critics of Waltz’s nomination. Duckworth argues that his involvement in the unclassified Signal chain should have disqualified him and called for the firing of all officials involved. She said, “As a retired Soldier, Waltz should have shut the unclassified chain down as soon as he saw Hegseth share such classified information that could’ve gotten our pilots killed.” Duckworth also described Waltz’s nomination as “failing up” and anticipates a “brutal, brutal hearing.”

Other Democratic leaders, including Senator Chris Coons of Connecticut, have indicated that Waltz will face a detailed and rigorous hearing. However, some Senate staffers suggest the focus on Waltz is as much about challenging the administration as it is about his own conduct. “He’s just the mechanism to go after the target,” one aide said, pointing to broader efforts to criticize President Trump’s administration.

Republicans, meanwhile, have rallied behind Waltz. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch called him a “great choice,” and Senator Lindsey Graham expressed full confidence in his confirmation. “The sun rises in the East, sets in the West, and Mike Waltz will be confirmed as the next UN Ambassador,” Graham remarked, highlighting Waltz’s qualifications and experience.

What’s Next for the Nominee

If confirmed, Waltz would take up the critical role of representing U.S. interests at the United Nations headquarters in New York, participating in discussions on resolutions, treaties, and international affairs. His experience as a four-time Bronze Star recipient and former congressman from Florida is cited by supporters as evidence of his readiness for the position.

Waltz’s confirmation process is expected to conclude before the 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly, scheduled for September 9. Following his departure from the national security advisor post, Senator Marco Rubio has assumed the role. Trump’s earlier nominee for the position, Rep. Elise Stefanik, was withdrawn due to political considerations regarding the balance of seats in the House of Representatives.

As the Senate prepares for what is expected to be a contentious but ultimately successful confirmation, attention turns to Waltz’s vision for U.S. engagement at the UN and the future direction of American diplomacy on the world stage.