Trump Dumps UN Nomination for Elise Stefanik, Citing Tight House Majority

 

In a surprising move, President Trump announced Thursday that he is withdrawing Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Instead of leaving the seasoned congresswoman—who is a close Trump ally and five-term representative from upstate New York—to a new career in diplomacy, Trump wants her to stay in Congress to help push his legislative agenda.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump explained, “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. There are others that can do a good job at the United Nations.” His decision comes as House Republicans, holding a razor-thin majority of 218-213, face several vacancies and tough special elections in Florida.

Stefanik, 40, who had been groomed for higher office—including being on the Republican vice presidential shortlist last summer—had been awaiting Senate confirmation for the UN role while continuing to serve in the House. GOP leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, delayed her nomination vote as they needed her support to pass critical legislation aimed at preventing government shutdowns and advancing Trump’s policy priorities. Johnson later promised to reinstate her in Republican leadership immediately.

The move has sparked sharp criticism from Democrats. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., commented that the withdrawal is a sign the Republican agenda is “extremely unpopular” and that they are “running scared.”

This development follows a series of controversial appointments by Trump since returning to office on January 20, including halting U.S. engagement with the U.N. Human Rights Council, reviewing funding for the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, and plans to exit the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization.

With Stefanik’s seat now secure in a historically Republican district that she won by a comfortable 24-point margin in 2024, Trump appears focused on keeping his slim majority intact as the midterm elections approach. Meanwhile, special elections in Florida and other GOP challenges continue to add uncertainty to the political landscape.

Stay tuned as we follow how these high-stakes moves in Washington might reshape the balance of power in the House and impact the broader Republican agenda heading into Election Day.