Discusses Support for Israel, Natural Resources in Central Asia with Ambassador Nominee Waltz
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with Michael Waltz, President Trump’s nominee to be Ambassador to the United Nations, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. Daines called out the UN for their persistent allowance of antisemitism and anti-Israel policies. Daines also discussed the importance of fostering pro-growth energy policy in Central Asia.
Watch the full exchange HERE.
Daines called out the UN for allowing antisemitism:
Daines: Mr. Waltz, as you know, the United Nations has become a hotbed of antisemitism, a hotbed of anti-Israeli sentiment. UN employees participated in the October 7th attack and Israeli hostages were held at UN facilities for months. The UN recently reappointed Francesca Albanese despite her repeatedly stated support for Palestinian resistance and regurgitation of anti-Israel blood libel. My question, Mr. Waltz, is you clearly have your work cut out for you at the UN. Can you tell us more about how you plan to counter the antisemitic influence of UN officials like Ms. Albanese?
Waltz: Well, thank you, Senator, and I always enjoy our engagement as well and your advocacy for the America First agenda… I think probably the easiest way to answer your question is… to continue to spotlight it and use not only the platform that is this position, but I think one of the best communicators in the world, which is President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and the leadership in this administration to continue to call it out.
Daines discussed the importance of Central Asia countries as natural resources producers:
Daines: We talked a bit about Central Asia yesterday Mr. Waltz. It’s a vitally important region rich in natural resources. As you mentioned, you’ve spent some time over there in your prior career. Much of those resources are untapped, and the region could be a valuable new partner for energy exports to Europe. The UN, unfortunately, has pushed Central Asian countries to only adopt really a radical green agenda instead of more a balanced approach of all the above energy. And these radical green development goals could hinder the growth and success of developing countries like we see in Central Asia. Mr. Waltz, how can you as UN ambassador ensure that Central Asia is encouraged to take advantage of its vast and considerable energy resources to foster a more sustainable and a prosperous future?
Waltz: Yeah, thank you, and I appreciated the conversation and always learn a lot from them… I look forward to working with you and those groupings within the UN along those lines under the present Secretary’s leadership.
###
Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins