Signalgate Shake-Up: Trump Taps Mike Waltz for UN Post Amid Messaging Misfire
In a striking reshuffle, Vice President JD Vance confirmed Thursday that former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has been nominated to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, calling the move a “promotion” backed by President Trump himself. Speaking exclusively from the Nucor Steel plant in South Carolina, Vance emphasized Waltz’s reform work at the National Security Council, saying, “He’s done that,” and suggesting the administration believes his impact will be even greater on the international stage.
Waltz’s sudden exit, however, trails behind a brewing controversy dubbed “Signalgate.” Just weeks ago, the Army veteran mistakenly added The Atlantic‘s editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to an encrypted Signal group where top officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussed sensitive operations against the Houthis in Yemen. Though Hegseth insists no classified data was leaked, the Pentagon’s inspector general has launched a probe into the chat’s security lapses. Democrats, meanwhile, question the judgment of sharing strike details in such a loosely secured digital forum, calling the breach “beyond reckless.”
Despite the noise, Vance dismissed any link between the messaging mishap and Waltz’s redeployment, calling the incident a “nothingburger.” The vice president—who was also in the Signal group—used the opportunity to clarify his own dissent within the administration over the strikes, arguing they contradicted Trump’s message to Europe. Still, Vance said the reshuffle reflected strong strategic trust: “The president and I both believe Waltz will better serve this administration on the global stage.” With over 800 Houthi targets already hit under Operation Rough Rider, the administration appears determined to assert dominance abroad—despite mixed signals at home.
