Mike Waltz Defends Nomination Amid Controversy Over Signal Chat
During his confirmation hearing, Mike Waltz asserted no classified information was shared in a Signal chat, which he and the White House claim met cybersecurity standards.
Waltz grilled on Signalgate in Trump nominee’s quest to fill UN post
Washington Examiner
UN ambassador nom Mike Waltz brushes off Senate’ Dems’ Signalgate questions
New York Daily News
Overview
- Mike Waltz, nominated for U.N. ambassador, defended himself at his confirmation hearing regarding the 'Signalgate' scandal.
- He asserted that no classified information was shared in the Signal chat, which met cybersecurity standards according to him and the White House.
- Waltz faced criticism from Senator Cory Booker and others for his accountability during the Signal chat controversy, raising troop safety concerns.
- Despite the scrutiny, Waltz pledged to reform the U.N. and abolish UNRWA if confirmed, aiming to make the organization 'great again.'
- Trump supports Waltz's nomination, highlighting his commitment to national interests, as the Senate prepares to vote after months of delays.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources appear neutral and objective by presenting a balanced account of Mike Waltz's Senate confirmation hearing. Sources avoid loaded language, instead focusing on factual descriptions of the proceedings. Both Democratic senators' critical questioning regarding the Signal chat and Republican senators' supportive inquiries on UN funding are detailed, alongside Waltz's responses, allowing readers to form their own conclusions without editorial influence.
"Waltz said the administration’s diplomatic strategy would be focused on cutting costs to what he called “waste, fraud, and abuse that are endemic to the U.N. system.”"
Chicago Tribune"Waltz maintained he did not share classified information in the chat, which accidentally included a journalist."
BBC News"Waltz's nomination is likely to advance despite the tough questioning and criticism he faced during the Senate confirmation hearing."
NPR"Months after the chat was disclosed, questions remain over the controversy, including if federal laws were violated, if classified information was exposed on the commercial messaging app and if anyone else will face consequences."
Associated Press"The hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was the first opportunity for lawmakers to publicly question him about his role in a Signal chat in which top administration officials inadvertently disclosed sensitive details about a military strike in Yemen."
CBS News"Waltz painted a similar strategy to tackling the U.N. job as the previous nominee for the post, with a focus on combating China’s influence around the globe, review U.S. funding to U.N. agencies and initiatives as well as rooting out what he called deep antisemitism within the international body."
Military Times"Waltz will face questioning from lawmakers for the first time since he was ousted as national security adviser in the weeks after he mistakenly added a journalist to a private Signal chat used to discuss sensitive military plans."
ABC News"Waltz painted a similar strategy to tackling the U.N. job as the previous nominee for the post, with a focus on combating China’s influence around the globe, reviewing U.S. funding to U.N. agencies and initiatives, as well as rooting out what he called deep antisemitism within the international body."
Associated PressArticles (22)
Center (8)
FAQ
The 'Signalgate' controversy refers to a leaked Signal group chat in which top Trump officials, including Mike Waltz, discussed a U.S. military strike in Yemen. The chat accidentally included a journalist, and Waltz was accused of lying and lacking accountability during the subsequent investigations.
Mike Waltz asserted during his confirmation hearing that no classified information was shared in the Signal chat. This stance is supported by the White House, which claims the chat met cybersecurity standards, although Pentagon investigations are ongoing.
Senators, particularly Democrat Cory Booker, criticized Waltz for failing to take accountability and for his handling of the situation, including accusations of lying and degrading a journalist involved. Booker called Waltz’s leadership 'profound cowardice'.
Mike Waltz pledged to reform the United Nations and abolish UNRWA, aiming to make the organization 'great again' and focus on aligning with U.S. national interests.
Donald Trump supports Mike Waltz's nomination as U.N. ambassador, highlighting Waltz's commitment to defending national interests and backing him despite the controversy.
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