Trump Envoys to UN, Malaysia Face Senate Hearings, Backlash

President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, faced intense scrutiny during his Senate confirmation hearing over his use of a Signal group chat to discuss sensitive military plans, including an imminent U.S. bombing in Yemen. Waltz defended his actions by citing authorization under the Biden administration and insisted no classified information was exchanged, but senators expressed disappointment and concern over the lack of disciplinary action. Despite being replaced as national security advisor by Marco Rubio, Waltz continues to serve as an advisor and collect his salary, raising questions about accountability. Meanwhile, Trump's pick for ambassador to Malaysia, conservative commentator Nick Adams, has sparked significant backlash in Malaysia and Australia due to his extremist and divisive rhetoric, which critics say conflicts with Malaysian values of pluralism and humanitarianism. Malaysian political youth groups have called on their government to reject Adams' appointment, condemning his pro-Zionist stance and actions perceived as hateful toward Islam and the Palestinian cause. Some observers, however, note that Adams' close ties to Trump might help address key policy issues between Malaysia and the U.S., particularly in trade relations.