Mike Waltz, the new United States ambassador to the United Nations, is leading a significant shift in American policy by adopting a selective approach to funding United Nations operations. Under President Donald Trump's directive, the United States is now choosing which United Nations agencies and programs align with its interests, rather than providing broad financial support as in the past. This move has prompted the United Nations to propose substantial budget and personnel cuts, including reductions in peacekeeping forces and humanitarian aid.

Waltz has made it clear to United Nations officials that future American contributions will depend on reforms and increased transparency, particularly regarding salaries and oversight. Some agencies, such as the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council, are seeing permanent withdrawal of United States support. The changes have raised concerns among United Nations staff and analysts about the long-term impact on global peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, as no other country has stepped in to fill the funding gap left by the United States.

Despite these cuts, Waltz insists the United States will not fully withdraw from the United Nations and sees continued engagement as vital, especially in areas where there is competition with China. The evolving approach signals a new era in United States-United Nations relations, with lasting implications for the organization's ability to deliver on its global mandates.