Signalgate Fallout: Ousted US Security Advisor Gets UN Nomination Despite Scandal

By Staff, Agencies

The 'Signalgate' security scandal has claimed its first high-profile victim, as President Trump removed National Security Advisor Mike Waltz—only to immediately nominate him as UN ambassador, ensuring the controversy will follow him to Senate confirmation hearings.

Trump confirmed Waltz's dismissal on Truth Social, stating the advisor would be nominated as ambassador to the United Nations while Secretary of State Marco Rubio temporarily assumes his duties. 

"I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations," he wrote.

While the administration portrays Waltz’s UN nomination as a lateral move, the decision contradicts the gravity of Signalgate—a major security breach exposed by The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg in March.

Classified discussions between Vice President JD Vance, Waltz, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, and others were inadvertently leaked after Goldberg was added to a Signal group chat containing operational details.

Reports indicate Waltz and deputy Alex Wong were dismissed over the scandal.

To assume the UN ambassador role, Waltz will need to undergo a Senate confirmation hearing, which Democratic opponents of the administration could use to raise questions about Waltz's competence following the Signalgate.

Meanwhile, CNN reports that Trump’s preferred NSA replacement—longtime friend and special envoy Steve Witkoff—has declined the offer.