Trump’s Second Choice to Head UN Faces Confirmation Hearing After Signalgate Scandal 

Ahead of Michael Waltz’s confirmation hearing for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:

“Americans deserve better than Donald Trump’s clown car Cabinet. America’s national security is not safe in the unqualified, incompetent hands of leaders like Michael Waltz, who exposed sensitive military plans and risked our servicemembers’ lives. Rather than protecting Americans from Waltz’s recklessness, Trump is promoting him. Waltz has already humiliated America on the world stage — now Trump is making it his full-time job.” 

NEW: Donald Trump tapped failed National Security Advisor Michael Waltz to be UN ambassador, after he exposed critical military plans and risked active-duty servicemembers’ lives.  

Trump: “I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations.”  

ABC News: “Michael Waltz expected to depart as Trump’s national security adviser, sources say”

“This move comes as President Trump has been increasingly frustrated by Waltz after he came under intense scrutiny for inadvertently adding a reporter to a Signal chat with top Trump officials discussing a U.S. military strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen.”

The Atlantic: “The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans” 

“On Tuesday, March 11, I received a connection request on Signal from a user identified as Michael Waltz. …

“Two days later—Thursday—at 4:28 p.m., I received a notice that I was to be included in a Signal chat group. It was called the ‘Houthi PC small group.’ … 

“A message to the group, from ‘Michael Waltz,’ read as follows: ‘Team – establishing a principles [sic] group for coordination on Houthis, particularly for over the next 72 hours.’”

Waltz repeatedly put America’s national security at risk, exposing sensitive information by setting up at least 20 unsecured chats and using his personal email to share exploitable national security information. 

Politico: “Waltz’s team set up at least 20 Signal group chats for crises across the world” 

“National security adviser Mike Waltz’s team regularly set up chats on Signal to coordinate official work on issues including Ukraine, China, Gaza, Middle East policy, Africa and Europe, according to four people who have been personally added to Signal chats. … 

“All four said they saw instances of sensitive information being discussed. … 

Veteran national security officials have warned the practice potentially violates regulations on protecting sensitive national security information from foreign adversaries, and federal recordkeeping laws if the chats are automatically deleted.”

Reuters: “Trump indicates colleague of Waltz added journalist’s number to group chat”

Washington Post: “Waltz and staff used Gmail for government communications, officials say” 

“A senior Waltz aide used the commercial email service for highly technical conversations with colleagues at other government agencies involving sensitive military positions and powerful weapons systems relating to an ongoing conflict, according to emails reviewed by The Post.” 

REMINDER: With Democrats overperforming in 2025 elections, Trump booted his original pick for UN ambassador — Rep. Elise Stefanik —  because House Republicans were scared of their tight margins. 

PBS: “White House withdraws Rep. Stefanik’s nomination for UN ambassador over GOP’s razor-thin majority in House” 

“The abrupt withdrawal reflects growing concern among House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, that their historically slim majority could be at risk, particularly ahead of two special elections in Florida next week. The loss of a mere handful of seats could swing the House majority to Democrats and derail their efforts to enact Trump’s sweeping agenda in the months ahead.” 

CNN: “As Democrats overperform in off-year elections, GOP frets over Trump voter turnout” 

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