EXCLUSIVE: In a comprehensive, exclusive interview with Digital, Ambassador Mike Waltz, the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations, detailed the Trump administration’s “America First” policies he is implementing, establishing his presence in the role following his tenure as national security advisor.
Waltz dismissed assertions that the present was primarily a result of unpaid U.S. contributions. “The United States contributes more to the U.N. system than over 180 nations combined,” he stated, adding, “We have long been the U.N.’s biggest backer, but under President Trump, we’re insisting on reform.”
Waltz contended that the organization has strayed from its original purpose. “While the U.N. has at times been extremely beneficial to U.S. foreign policy goals, there are also instances where it works against our interests,” he remarked. “It has grown bloated, redundant, and has veered away from its initial mission.”
Waltz characterized the strategy as an “America First” principle emphasizing taxpayer dollar accountability and equitable burden-sharing among members, explaining that Washington is using its financial influence to compel transformation. “When we apply tough love to the U.N.… these represent the hard-earned dollars of American taxpayers,” he noted. “Ultimately, we will ensure American taxpayers receive proper value from this organization.”
Earlier this week at the U.N., the secretary-general characterized the crisis as resulting from unfulfilled financial commitments by member nations. When questioned about his confidence in U.S. payment, he responded, “This isn’t about confidence. Obligations are obligations. Regarding obligations, it’s not about having confidence; it’s about meeting those obligations.”
In reply to a Digital inquiry, the secretary-general’s spokesperson dismissed suggestions that the organization’s financial troubles originate from internal mismanagement, reinforcing that stance by stating the funding issue is “very clear.” He noted that several major contributors have failed to pay, while maintaining that the secretary-general has served as a “responsible steward” of U.N. finances and has championed management reform since taking office.
“They’ve just consented to eliminate nearly 3,000 headquarters bureaucratic posts,” Waltz noted in the organization’s defense. “They’ve approved the first budget reduction in U.N. history in 80 years—a 15% cut—and they’re reducing global peacekeeping forces by 25%.”
“What’s noteworthy is that privately, many are expressing gratitude. This institution needs improvement. President Trump is correct. It’s not fulfilling its potential. We must question why the U.N. isn’t addressing issues like Cambodia-Thailand border disputes or actively resolving Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe. That’s the U.N.’s purpose. Thankfully President Trump is taking action, but he’s asking why he must handle everything. Where is the United Nations? We’re committed to helping the organization meet its reform commitments, fulfill its mandate, and achieve its mission.”
“The world needs a venue where all parties can engage in dialogue,” he stated. “The president is a peace-oriented leader who prioritizes diplomacy.”
When questioned whether U.N. leadership is undertaking sufficient reform efforts, Waltz acknowledged that Secretary-General António Guterres has started heading in the right direction but should have taken action earlier.
“The has taken steps in the right direction. Honestly, I wish he had acted much earlier and far more aggressively,” Waltz commented.
He referenced and consolidation initiatives while insisting that tangible outcomes must materialize.
“The U.N. budget has increased fourfold over the past 25 years,” Waltz observed. “We haven’t witnessed a fourfold increase in global peace. Actually, the situation has deteriorated.”
When questioned whether the administration’s Gaza peace framework and a mechanism called the serve as alternatives to the U.N., Waltz clarified they are designed to support the institution, not supplant it.
“The president doesn’t aim for the Board of Peace to substitute the U.N., but rather to push numerous conflicts toward resolution,” he explained.
“As part of the was also the Board of Peace to actually implement it,” he stated.
He explained that the Board of Peace includes regional governments and aims to establish an on-the-ground stabilization framework. “Egypt, Turkey, Gulf Arab states, Jordan, and crucially, Israel are participating,” he noted. “We’ll establish a stabilization force, create a funding mechanism for humanitarian reconstruction… and form a Palestinian technocratic committee to reinstate government services.”
Going forward, Waltz indicated the administration seeks a more streamlined, purpose-driven U.N. concentrating on security, conflict resolution, and economic development.
“I envision… a far more targeted U.N. that returns to fundamentals of advancing global peace and security,” he remarked.
He also advocated for and reduced dependence on conventional aid frameworks. “This outdated model of NGOs and agencies approaching governments simply demanding ‘more, more, more’—it’s unsustainable,” he argued. “If we foster conditions in developing nations that attract American enterprises… we eliminate that reliance on development assistance and everyone gains.”
Ultimately, Waltz described his role as executing . “I serve as a conduit for the president’s vision,” he stated. “In my view, by the end of his administration, he’ll see a U.N. that spearheads efforts to bring nations to peaceful conflict resolutions and seeks his assistance. That’s a far superior dynamic than the president handling everything and asking, ‘Where’s the U.N. in these disputes?’ So we aim to completely reverse that situation, and we have a strategy to achieve it.”