U.S. Vice President JD Vance has criticized how the media portrayed the recent shake-up involving National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. He said it was wrong to label the change as a “firing,” especially since President Donald Trump later appointed Waltz to a high-profile diplomatic role.
Vance: It’s Not a Firing, It’s a Promotion
In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Vance addressed reports claiming that Waltz had been dismissed. He argued that Waltz’s appointment as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations proves otherwise. “The media wants to frame this as a firing. Donald Trump has fired a lot of people. He doesn’t give them Senate-confirmed appointments afterwards,” Vance told Baier, according to the Associated Press.
When asked if the reassignment had anything to do with “Signal-gate” — a controversy where Waltz added The Atlantic’s editor to a private group chat discussing U.S. military plans in Yemen — Vance rejected the link. “No, it’s not,” Vance responded. “I think you could make a good argument it’s a promotion,” he added, insisting that Waltz had fulfilled his duties well as national security adviser.
Signal-Gate and Its Fallout
The “Signal-gate” incident sparked criticism across political lines. Waltz had mistakenly included a journalist in a private conversation about U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, drawing sharp scrutiny. While the White House admitted it was a “mistake,” they defended Waltz, saying the incident did not harm national security.
Waltz accepted responsibility, and the Pentagon’s inspector general is now investigating the use of Signal for sensitive communications. Despite the backlash, Trump stood by Waltz and emphasized his service record.
Trump Announces Waltz’s New Role
President Trump took to social media to announce his nomination of Mike Waltz as the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. He praised Waltz’s background, both in the military and in Congress. “I am pleased to announce that I will be nominating Mike Waltz to be the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations. From his time in uniform on the battlefield, in Congress and, as my National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz has worked hard to put our Nation’s Interests first,” Trump posted.
In the meantime, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take on Waltz’s former responsibilities in an interim capacity. Rubio will now manage two important roles at a time when the U.S. faces mounting international challenges, including tense nuclear discussions with Iran, ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, and economic uncertainty worsened by Trump’s tariff disputes with key allies. Trump concluded, “We will fight tirelessly to Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN.”
