WASHINGTON — New York Rep. Elise Stefanik has officially accepted President-elect Donald Trump’s offer to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Stefanik, 40, a rising star within the Republican Party, will lead Trump’s pro-America and pro-Israel agenda at the UN.
The announcement marks one of the first significant staffing decisions for the incoming Trump administration and signals the president-elect’s strong commitment to his “America First” foreign policy.
In a statement to The Post, Trump praised Stefanik for her “tough, smart, and principled” approach and highlighted her dedication to advancing U.S. interests on the global stage.
“Elise is a firm, tough, and smart America First fighter,” Trump said. “I am honoured to nominate Chairwoman Elise Stefanik to serve in my Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.”
Stefanik, the fourth-ranking House Republican, has been a staunch ally of Trump, notably serving on his defence team during his first impeachment trial in 2020.
She has consistently worked to advance conservative policies and has made several high-profile TV appearances to discuss Republican stances on various issues.
Stefanik’s candid approach is expected to contrast sharply with the low-profile tenure of the outgoing UN Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
In her statement, Stefanik expressed gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the challenges ahead. “I am truly honoured to earn President Trump’s nomination to serve in his Cabinet as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations,” she said.
“I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate and continuing to restore America’s leadership on the world stage.”
Stefanik’s appointment comes as the United Nations faces mounting criticism, particularly from conservative circles.
The UN’s track record, especially regarding the Human Rights Council, has been a point of contention for many Republicans, as countries like China and Cuba hold prominent positions on the council. Additionally, the UN’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has been heavily scrutinised.
During Trump’s first term, the U.S. withdrew from the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO) due to its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, an action that President Joe Biden later reversed.
In her new role, Stefanik is expected to continue pushing for reforms that align with Trump’s “America First” ideology, including curtailing the influence of countries that oppose U.S. interests and ensuring more accountability within UN agencies.
Stefanik’s departure from the House of Representatives will trigger a special election in her district, which is considered a Republican stronghold.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is required by law to call the election within 10 days of Stefanik’s resignation. The election is expected to take place within the next 70-80 days. The district, which has a solid pro-Trump constituency, is unlikely to remain vacant.
While Stefanik’s confirmation to the UN post would temporarily reduce the GOP’s slim majority in the House, her appointment is a significant step in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape U.S. foreign policy.
Stefanik is expected to bring a bold, direct approach to the United Nations, continuing her work as a leader in the Republican Party and championing America’s interests on the global stage.
In her statement, Stefanik emphasised the urgency of restoring U.S. influence globally, particularly after what she described as four years of “weak U.S. leadership” under President Biden. “The work ahead is immense, as we see antisemitism skyrocketing, coupled with catastrophically weak U.S. leadership that has significantly weakened our national security,” Stefanik stated.
“I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trump’s restoration of America First peace through strong leadership on the world stage.”
Stefanik’s appointment is poised to substantially impact U.S. diplomacy and its role at the United Nations in the years to come.
