Ambassador Mike Walz Discusses U.S. UN Policy in Exclusive Interview

In an extensive interview, Ambassador Mike Walz, the U.S. representative to the United Nations, discussed the Trump administration’s “America First” policy and indicated that the former national security adviser is playing a key role in this approach.

Walz rejected accusations that the ongoing UN funding crisis is largely due to unpaid American dues. “The U.S., along with over 180 nations, contributes to the UN system,” he explained. “Historically, the United States has been the UN’s largest supporter, but under President Trump, we are insisting on reforms.”

He argued that the UN has deviated from its original mission. “There have been instances where the UN has significantly aided our foreign policy objectives, yet there have also been times when it has worked against us,” Walz mentioned. “It has become bloated, redundant, and disconnected from its founding principles.”

This perspective ties into the administration’s “America First” emphasis on accountability for taxpayer spending and equitable burden-sharing among member states. Walz noted that U.S. financial pressure aims to drive those changes. “When we give the UN tough love, these are American taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars,” he stated. “Ultimately, we expect to get value out of this organization for the money we invest.”

He voiced that the UN is “outraged” by Trump’s proactive measures regarding Venezuela. During a recent UN meeting, the Secretary-General referred to the crisis as a problem stemming from unpaid obligations among member states. Walz responded, saying: “It isn’t about confidence; it’s about fulfilling obligations. It’s not a matter of whether we feel secure; it’s whether those obligations will be met.”

In response to inquiries from Fox News, the Secretary-General’s spokesperson dismissed suggestions that the financial troubles are rooted in internal mismanagement, insisting instead that the situation is straightforward and underscoring that some major contributors have failed to pay. They emphasized that the Secretary-General is a “responsible steward” of the UN’s finances, having initiated management reforms from the outset.

“They just agreed to cut about 3,000 bureaucratic staff at the headquarters,” Walz defended. “The UN has enacted its first budget cut in 80 years—a reduction of 15%—and is reducing its peacekeeping force by 25%.” He further remarked that many within the UN recognize the need for improvement, adding that there are pressing issues like the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, and the humanitarian crisis in Sudan that the UN has not effectively addressed.

“The president promotes a culture of peace, prioritizing diplomacy,” he noted, suggesting that there should be a space for dialogue globally. When asked about the sufficiency of UN reforms, Walz expressed that Secretary-General António Guterres is heading in the right direction but could have acted more decisively.

“The Secretary-General has made some progress, although I wish he had done so sooner and with greater urgency,” he said.

Despite talking about potential replacements, Walz clarified that the administration’s Gaza Peace Framework and the Peace Commission are designed to complement the UN rather than replace it. “The peace commission aims to help bring an end to various conflicts,” he noted, highlighting the collaboration of local governments including Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan.

Looking toward the future, Walz expressed a desire for a more focused UN that emphasizes security, conflict resolution, and economic development. “We need a UN that goes back to its basic mission of promoting peace and security,” he remarked. Additionally, he called for increased private sector engagement and less dependence on outdated aid models.

Ultimately, Walz framed his role as a channel for the president’s vision, underscoring the aspiration for the UN to facilitate peaceful conflict resolutions worldwide. “Our goal is to shift this dynamic, moving from a scenario where the president solely takes action to one where the UN actively seeks support in resolving conflicts,” he concluded.