Tue Jul 15 07:05:58 UTC 2025: **Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, written from an Indian perspective and suitable for “The Hindu”:**
**U.S. Ambassador Nominee Waltz Faces Senate Grilling Amidst UN Funding Concerns**
**New York, July 15, 2025:** Mike Waltz, President Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, is set to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today for a crucial confirmation hearing. The hearing comes after Waltz’s controversial ousting as National Security Advisor, triggered by the “Signalgate” incident where sensitive military plans were inadvertently shared with a journalist.
The incident, involving the sharing of details regarding potential strikes on Houthi militants in Yemen via an unsecure messaging app, has raised concerns among lawmakers. Senator Tammy Duckworth stated she questioned Waltz about the incident and how the U.S. will sway other nations within the United Nations to their side, in light of how much influence the PRC is having on other nations. Waltz will need to convince senators of his judgment and ability to handle sensitive information, crucial in the diplomatic arena.
Beyond the personal scrutiny, the hearing takes place against a backdrop of significant uncertainty for the UN. Trump’s administration has signaled intentions to drastically reduce U.S. funding, which traditionally constitutes the largest share of the UN budget. This potential cut is viewed with concern by many within the international community, as it could severely hamper the UN’s ability to address critical humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts.
Observers note this shift aligns with an “America First” foreign policy that prioritizes U.S. interests and criticizes certain UN agencies for allegedly acting contrary to those interests. Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, has been particularly critical, stating the UN is “probably in the worst shape it’s been in since it was founded.”
The confirmation process is further complicated by the memory of Trump’s previous nominee, Rep. Elise Stefanik, whose nomination was abruptly withdrawn in March. While the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to ultimately confirm Waltz, the hearing offers an opportunity for detailed examination of his views on the UN and the future of U.S. engagement with the world body, particularly regarding issues of strategic importance to India, such as international cooperation on climate change, counter-terrorism, and the evolving global power dynamics.
The world watches with bated breath.
First Piper 