Mike Waltz says Trump’s UN reforms have cut spending and staff as world leaders gather in New York for talks on Iran sanctions and global security.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz says the Trump administration is putting the international organization “on a diet,” touting spending cuts and staff reductions as world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
In an interview with Fox News Digital ahead of the high-level diplomatic meetings, Waltz outlined the administration’s push to reshape the U.N., strengthen enforcement of sanctions against Iran and advance U.S. security priorities.
“We have the U.N. on a diet,” Waltz said, pointing to more than $1 billion in budget reductions, roughly 3,000 headquarters positions being cut and a reduction of approximately 25% in peacekeeping personnel.
The remarks come as President Donald Trump prepares to address the General Assembly and meet with international leaders amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Waltz Warns Nations Over Iran Sanctions
Waltz said the United States expects its allies and other countries to fully enforce sanctions against Iran, warning that nations that fail to comply could face consequences.
“There’s going to be consequences for friend and foe,” Waltz said, describing the administration’s approach to increasing economic pressure on Tehran.
The warning comes as the U.S.-Iran conflict enters its seventh month, with Washington seeking greater international cooperation to restrict Iran’s economy and prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Waltz said the administration intends to make sanctions enforcement a central issue during the U.N. meetings, while Trump is expected to meet Gulf leaders to discuss the conflict and regional security.
The diplomatic push follows a September 17 U.N. Security Council vote in which Russia and China blocked a U.S.-backed effort to continue independent monitoring of international sanctions on Iran.
Trump Administration Seeks U.N. Reform, Not Withdrawal
Despite the administration’s criticism of the United Nations, Waltz said the United States does not intend to abandon the organization.
He argued that the U.N. remains an important forum for diplomacy, allowing countries to communicate and address international disputes.
“There’s got to be one place in the world where everyone can come together and put diplomacy first and can actually talk,” Waltz said.
The ambassador added that Washington wants to restore the institution’s focus on its core mission while reducing spending and restructuring its operations.
The administration’s reform effort comes as the United States continues to face questions about its financial commitments to the U.N. and its role in international institutions.
Waltz Calls Greenland Agreement ‘Incredibly Significant’
Waltz also highlighted a newly announced Greenland security agreement, describing it as “incredibly significant” because of the Arctic’s growing strategic importance.
The agreement is expected to expand the U.S. military presence in Greenland while addressing security concerns involving Russia and other countries.
The Arctic has become increasingly important to Washington as melting ice opens potential shipping routes and creates greater access to energy and mineral resources.
However, Denmark and Greenland have emphasized that the agreement does not transfer sovereignty to the United States. Greenland remains an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and the agreement is expected to undergo required political procedures before being finalized.
World Leaders Gather in New York for High-Level Talks
The 81st U.N. General Assembly’s high-level week is bringing world leaders to New York for discussions on international security, economic challenges and ongoing conflicts.
The General Debate is scheduled to begin Tuesday and continue through September 28. Trump is expected to address the assembly and hold meetings with Gulf leaders and other international counterparts.
The gathering comes at a critical moment for the United Nations, with the Iran conflict, Russia’s war and questions about the institution’s future expected to dominate discussions.
For Waltz and the Trump administration, the immediate priorities are securing greater international cooperation on Iran sanctions, advancing U.S. security interests and continuing efforts to reduce the U.N.’s budget and workforce.
The ambassador’s message reflects the administration’s stated goal of making the United Nations more focused and cost-conscious while maintaining its role as a central venue for international diplomacy.
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