Trump's UN Ambassador Pick Mike Waltz Advances After Senate Drama and Bipartisan Deal

Mike Waltz, President Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has cleared a key hurdle in the Senate after weeks of political wrangling. His nomination was delayed by Republican Senator Rand Paul, who raised concerns about Waltz's loyalty to Trump, but ultimately advanced thanks to a deal with top Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, who secured the release of frozen foreign aid funds in exchange for her support. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Waltz's nomination in a narrow 12-10 bipartisan vote, sending it to the full Senate for confirmation. Waltz, a former National Security Advisor, has pledged to push for major UN reforms and take a tough stance on China. The process highlights deep divisions within both parties and the high stakes of U.S. diplomatic appointments.