Waltz Selected for U.N. Ambassador Role After Considering Other Offers, Say Insiders

Sources have revealed that President Trump, wanting to reposition Waltz after just over 100 days as national security adviser, allowed him to choose his next position on Thursday.

Waltz was presented with multiple choices, including serving as the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, after consultations with chief of staff Susie Wiles. Eventually, Waltz decided on the post at the United Nations, and the President announced this transition on social media shortly after the news of Waltz's departure became public.

Friday marked the end of Waltz's tenure at the White House as sources reported. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to take on an interim dual role, managing both as the national security adviser and leading U.S. diplomacy. A meeting between Rubio and Waltz took place on Thursday to facilitate the transition.

The National Security Council opted not to comment on the matter.

Alex Wong, a deputy under Waltz, is staying with the National Security Council for now. Discussions around his departure were ongoing on Thursday, but Wong is currently assisting with the handover.

The post is seen as highly significant by Trump, who has been meticulous in his selection. He has consulted numerous individuals, like Jared Kushner, the President's former senior adviser and son-in-law, for potential candidates.

Trump's decision regarding the ambassadorship to the Saudi kingdom could be made before his planned trip to the Middle East, notably including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE, from May 13-16.

Back in 2017, Mr. Trump chose Saudi Arabia as the first nation he visited as the President. This oil-rich country is not only pivotal because of its influence in OPEC but also as the biggest buyer of American arms.

The President sought Saudi Arabia's involvement in his first-term's prominent series of diplomatic pacts that normalized relations between Israel and numerous Arab nations. Although President Biden also aimed to secure Saudi cooperation by promising U.S. security aid and nuclear programs, the conflict with Israel and Hamas impeded these negotiations.

During Trump's initial Presidency, John Abizaid, a retired Army General and former commander of CENTCOM, served as the ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has insisted on a clear route to establishing a Palestinian state as part of any deal. As the cradle of Islam with its sacred cities, Mecca and Medina, the inclusion of Saudi Arabia would add both strategic importance and symbolic value to Trump’s objective of reshaping the Middle Eastern landscape.