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Waltz’s confirmation came on a razor-thin 47–43 Senate vote that broke mostly along party lines. Democrats John Fetterman (PA), Mark Kelly (AZ), and Jeanne Shaheen (NH) crossed the aisle to back him, while libertarian-leaning Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) bucked his own party by voting no.
Thune Lowers the Hammer
The confirmation only happened thanks to a bold maneuver by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). In a move certain to outrage Democrats, Thune pushed through a “nuclear option” to fast-track Trump’s nominees with a simple majority.
“If the Senate had continued at the pace that we’ve been proceeding at through the month of July, there would still be hundreds of empty desks in the executive branch on President Trump’s last day in office in 2029,” Thune warned.
That rule change allowed Waltz — along with 48 other Trump picks — to sail through in one historic day.
Ready for the Global Stage
Waltz will immediately get to work. His first major task: attending next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, where President Trump is expected to deliver a headline-making address.
At his Senate hearing earlier this summer, Waltz made clear what his priorities will be. He vowed to scrutinize America’s financial commitments to the U.N. and pledged to root out antisemitism inside its institutions.
Stefanik Sidelined, Shea Out
This appointment comes after a twist inside GOP politics. House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik was once Trump’s pick for the role, but Speaker Mike Johnson insisted she remain in Congress, leaving the slot open.
That gave Waltz his shot. He replaces Ambassador Dorothy Shea, who has been holding the post in an acting capacity for eight months.
A Trump Power Move
For Trump, the Waltz pick accomplishes several things at once: it rewards loyalty, places a trusted ally in one of the world’s most visible arenas, and shows Democrats that obstruction won’t be tolerated.
The message from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is clear: second-term Trump isn’t wasting time. Empty seats are being filled, nominees are being installed, and America’s foreign policy will no longer be dictated by globalist bureaucrats.
For Mike Waltz, it’s the comeback of a lifetime. For President Trump, it’s another win in his battle to reshape Washington and reassert American strength abroad.
