President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is pulling the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, citing concerns over the House’s razor-thin Republican majority.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that Stefanik would remain in Congress to help advance his legislative agenda.
“I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote. “With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat. The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day.”
He added that while others could fill the U.N. role, Stefanik’s presence in the House was critical. “Therefore, Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People,” Trump said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the decision, saying he would invite Stefanik back to leadership immediately. “It is well known Republicans have a razor-thin House majority, and Elise’s agreement to withdraw her nomination will allow us to keep one of the toughest, most resolute members of our Conference in place,” Johnson said.
Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally and former House GOP Conference chair, had been awaiting Senate confirmation since her nomination cleared the Foreign Relations Committee in January. However, concerns about further shrinking the GOP’s House majority—currently at 218 seats—reportedly led to the withdrawal.
Senate Republicans expressed surprise, with Sen. Susan Collins calling Stefanik a “great nominee” who would have been easily confirmed. Senate Majority Whip John Thune acknowledged the “political realities” of the House’s tight margins.
Stefanik’s withdrawal marks a sudden shift in her political trajectory, as she had been seen as a rising star in the GOP.
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