US Envoy Boasts of UN Cuts, Criticizes Global Failures

A top U.S. diplomat celebrated major budget and job cuts at the United Nations while sharply criticizing the body's global effectiveness. Mike Waltz, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, testified before a Senate committee on Wednesday. He highlighted a U.S.-driven efficiency push that has cut $570 million from the UN budget and eliminated 3,000 jobs. Waltz also defended the U.S. decision to withdraw from several UN agencies. At the same time, he condemned the UN's inability to resolve major conflicts. He specifically cited the war in Ukraine and the expanding influence of China. Waltz further criticized the UN for not stopping a recent conflict involving Iran, which began after strikes by Israel and the U.S. The testimony presented a clear "America first" approach. It mixed pride in reducing U.S. financial commitments with frustration over the UN's political limits.