In a significant foreign policy reshuffle, former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is sending his national security adviser Mike Waltz to serve as the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations.
At the same time, Trump revealed that Senator Marco Rubio will assume the role of interim national security adviser, marking the first time in over 50 years that a U.S. official has held dual high-level foreign policy positions—a move not seen since the Nixon administration.
The announcement, made during a press briefing at Trump’s campaign headquarters, sent immediate ripples through Washington and the international diplomatic community.
Mike Waltz Heads to the United Nations
Mike Waltz, a former Green Beret and current national security adviser to Trump, has been tapped to represent the United States at the United Nations at a time of increasing global tension and growing geopolitical divisions.
Trump praised Waltz’s military and diplomatic background, stating:
“Mike Waltz has the strength, intelligence, and loyalty this country needs on the world stage. He will represent American interests at the United Nations with clarity and force.”
Waltz’s nomination is expected to be formally submitted to the Senate for confirmation in the coming days. If confirmed, he will succeed Linda Thomas-Greenfield, marking a sharp shift in the U.S. approach to multilateral diplomacy.
Marco Rubio Takes On Dual Power Role
In a move that is drawing both intrigue and criticism, Trump also appointed Senator Marco Rubio as interim national security adviser, a powerful position responsible for coordinating national defense, intelligence, and foreign policy matters.
Rubio, a Florida Republican and longtime Trump ally, currently serves as the ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. While it is not unprecedented for lawmakers to transition into executive branch roles, holding both Senate responsibilities and a top national security position is highly unusual.
“We are facing enormous global threats, and Marco has proven time and again that he has the vision and grit to protect America’s interests at home and abroad,” Trump said.
This dual appointment marks the first time since the Nixon administration that one individual will hold such overlapping responsibilities within U.S. foreign policy.
Political and International Reactions
The news has ignited strong reactions across Washington. Democrats swiftly criticized the move as reckless, calling the appointments a power consolidation that risks politicizing national security.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) said, “Marco Rubio’s dual role raises serious concerns about oversight, accountability, and the politicization of intelligence and diplomacy.”
Meanwhile, international diplomats have responded cautiously. The United Nations issued a brief statement acknowledging the pending appointment of Waltz, while foreign policy analysts speculated how the U.S. role at the UN might change under the new leadership.
Strategic Timing Ahead of 2024
The decision comes as Trump continues to campaign for a return to the White House in 2024. Political analysts believe this move is part of a broader effort to showcase strength in foreign policy and build a cabinet-in-waiting in anticipation of a second Trump term.
With ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, escalating tensions with China, and renewed focus on national defense, the Trump team appears focused on projecting decisive leadership in global affairs.
What's Next?
The Senate is expected to debate Waltz’s nomination in the coming weeks, while Rubio begins his interim duties immediately. Key decisions on defense spending, international agreements, and U.N. voting strategies could now reflect this fresh conservative tilt in foreign policy.
Observers will be watching closely to see how this reshuffle affects U.S. relationships abroad and whether it signals a deeper restructuring of Trump’s national security and diplomatic agenda heading into the election year.