President Donald Trump has rescinded the nomination of New York Rep. Elise Stefanik as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, citing the need to maintain the Republican Party’s razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives.
In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized that Stefanik must retain her House seat to secure GOP stability ahead of the 2024 election.
“I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat,” Trump wrote. “The people love Elise, and with her, we have nothing to worry about. Others can handle the UN role.”
Stefanik to Rejoin House Leadership
A staunch Trump ally, Stefanik will return to the House GOP leadership after previously stepping down as House Republican Conference chair in preparation for the UN ambassadorship.
Speaker Mike Johnson praised her decision, stating: “She would have excelled at the UN, but we need her in Congress to help save the country.”
Political Calculations Behind the Move
Stefanik’s Senate confirmation was delayed as her vote was crucial for passing GOP-backed legislation.
Discussions at the White House centered on preserving the 218-213 Republican majority, especially with two Florida special elections looming on April 1.
Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of panic, claiming Trump feared losing her upstate New York district, which he carried by 21 points in 2024.
“Trump withdrew her nomination because extremists fear losing her seat. Their agenda is failing, and they’re running scared,” Jeffries said.
Stefanik’s Tough Stance on the UN
During her confirmation hearing, Stefanik vowed to champion Trump’s “peace through strength” foreign policy.
A vocal UN critic, she has called for cutting U.S. funding, labeling the organization a “cesspool of anti-Semitism” and “corrupt, defunct, and paralyzed.”
The Trump administration has already slashed UN funding and foreign aid, forcing the body to reduce spending by 20% and implement a hiring freeze.
Who Will Replace Stefanik?
The White House has not named a new UN ambassador nominee. A diplomat told the BBC that swift confirmation is crucial for engagement with the Trump administration.
Stefanik marks Trump’s fourth withdrawn nominee, following:
- Matt Gaetz (Attorney General)
- Chad Chronister (DEA Chief)
- David Weldon (CDC Director)
Stefanik will continue representing her solidly Republican district, where she recently held a farewell tour before the UN role fell through.
