EXCLUSIVE: US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz is calling for sweeping reforms at the world body, putting the fight against anti-Semitism at the top of the agenda, as the Trump administration pushes for changes across the institution.
In an exclusive on-camera interview, Waltz argued that confronting anti-Semitism should be a central pillar of any overhaul of the UN, alongside a broader return to what he described as the organization’s core mission of peace and security.
“The UN has a horrific history and track record when it comes to anti-Semitism. First of all, it is in many ways a cesspool for anti-Semitism,” Waltz said. “This government is committed to fighting this.”
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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz speaks with Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon before a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to consider a U.S. proposal for a U.N. mandate to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza, at U.N. Headquarters in New York City, November 17, 2025. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
He described the issue as both urgent and historic, linking rising global anti-Semitism and the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks to what he said must be a renewed commitment within international institutions.
“We have to live up to the mantra of never again,” Waltz said. “As we see anti-Semitism on the rise around the world… especially after October 7, we must live up to that mantra.”
Waltz pointed to Holocaust commemoration and survivors’ testimonies as essential tools in the fight against denial and historical revisionism, and said education must be central to any UN response.
“It’s about education. It’s about fighting back against these ridiculous denials of the Holocaust,” he said. “But most importantly, while we still have them, it’s about hearing from the survivors and hearing their personal stories.”
Memorials at the site of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack at the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, Israel, on Monday, May 27, 2024. (Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
He added that UN forums should elevate survivors’ testimonies rather than political messages.
“My recommendation to the UN is: get the diplomats and politicians out of the way, let’s just listen to the survivors, because their stories are compelling, tragic, they need to be heard and documented, and they certainly can never be denied,” Waltz said.
The ambassador’s comments come as the administration calls for broader structural reforms at the United Nations, including changes in the way development assistance, humanitarian operations and leadership are approached.
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A view of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, United States on July 16, 2024. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Waltz said Washington wants to see a more focused institution focused on conflict prevention and peacekeeping, with less reliance on traditional aid frameworks.
“I see, and I think what the president sees, is a much more focused UN that we have brought back to the basic principles of promoting peace and security around the world and enforcing peace when conflicts break out through the peacekeepers,” he said.
The push for reform comes against the backdrop of longstanding criticism from US officials and watchdog groups over Israel’s treatment within the UN system and concerns about anti-Semitism associated with some UN member agencies.
UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, has come under increasing criticism in recent years. Reports from education monitoring organizations documented content in materials used in UNRWA-linked classrooms that delegitimizes Israel or contains anti-Semitic themes.
Media investigations further intensified scrutiny on the agency after October 7, with allegations involving staff and militant ties prompting donor freezes and internal investigations.
An independent review commissioned by the United Nations recognized neutrality problems and recommended stronger oversight and vetting mechanisms.
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Photos released by the Israeli military show three individuals the Israeli military claims are Hamas terrorists at a UNRWA complex in Rafah. (IDF)
In addition to UNRWA, critics have pointed to structural patterns in the UN system. Israel remains the only country with one permanent agenda item in the UN Human Rights Council, making discussion mandatory at every session.
At the General Assembly, Israel has often been the subject of more country-specific resolutions than any other state in many annual sessions.
Successive US administrations have described this attention as disproportionate.
UN officials reject the characterization of institutional anti-Semitism, arguing that the research reflects the scale and duration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and humanitarian concerns, and pointing to reforms underway within agencies including UNRWA.
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US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz raises his hand to vote in favor of a draft resolution authorizing an International Stabilization Force in Gaza on November 17, 2025. (Adam Gray/Getty)
Waltz said confronting anti-Semitism must remain a priority as the UN prepares for leadership changes and debates over its future direction. He placed the fight against anti-Semitism within that broader drive for reform, alongside other policy priorities and future leadership decisions within the world organization.
“So these are just some of the things we hope to achieve during our time here, in addition to… tackling anti-Semitism… getting… good, strong leadership in the UN going forward.”
