US Faces Global Crises Without UN Ambassador as Waltz Awaits Senate Nod

Nearly five months into President Donald Trump’s second term, the United States remains without a Senate-confirmed ambassador to the United Nations, a vacancy that’s raising eyebrows as global crises pile up like unopened mail. Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for the role after Elise Stefanik’s nomination hit a political roadblock, is still waiting for Senate confirmation, with the Foreign Relations Committee only recently acknowledging receipt of his nomination on June 12, 2025.

The delay, which has left the U.S. without a top diplomat at the U.N. for 150 days, comes at a time when geopolitical tensions—from Iran’s nuclear ambitions to Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s conflicts in Gaza—demand a strong American voice. While the U.S. retains its Security Council seat and veto power, experts warn that the absence of an ambassador weakens Washington’s ability to shape negotiations at the U.N.’s New York headquarters.

Brett Schaefer, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, emphasized the diplomatic downsides: without senior leadership, the U.S. struggles to counter adversaries’ narratives. Jonathan Wachtel, a former U.N. counsel, called the U.N. a ‘serious playground’ where America’s influence is critical, especially as global flashpoints multiply. He noted that without a confirmed ambassador, adversaries like Iran and Russia could dominate the diplomatic stage unchallenged.

Meanwhile, the Senate’s slow pace—compared to the swift confirmation of figures like Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary—has sparked questions about priorities. The White House hasn’t clarified the holdup, leaving observers to wonder if bureaucracy or politics is to blame. As world leaders grapple with crises, the U.S. risks playing catch-up in a diplomatic arena where presence matters.