Mike Waltz faces grilling from Senators in UN confirmation hearing after Signal-gate

Nomination & Confirmation - Mike Walsh's nomination as UN ambassador faces scrutiny due to the "signal gate" controversy [1][2][3][7] - Democrats seek explanations regarding the use of Signal for sensitive information [1][2][3] - Confirmation hinges on Republican support, with a 53-47 majority in the Senate making it likely [6][11][12] - The White House anticipates Walsh's confirmation by the start of the United Nations General Assembly in early September [13] Policy & International Relations - Concerns exist regarding Trump's view of the UN as a "waste of time and money" and potential funding cuts [19][20][26] - Questions arise about whether Walsh's nomination signals a diminished US role in the UN [20] - China's growing influence and the need to address it in the UN are key issues [9][17][18] - The administration's foreign policy is perceived by some as "America isolated," with concerns about declining US prominence [15][9] Relationship with the Administration - Walsh's relationship with President Trump is perceived as not being "top of mind" for the president [22] - Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seen as taking on the role of national security advisor, potentially diminishing the UN ambassador's influence [22][29] - There are questions about whether the UN ambassador will have the authority to speak for the administration [27]