President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, according to multiple sources. In a statement, Trump praised Stefanik, calling her “an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.”
Stefanik, a Republican representative from New York’s 21st District, was recently elected to her sixth term in the House. At the time of her initial election in 2014, she made history as the youngest woman to ever serve in Congress. She took on a leadership role in May 2021 as chair of the House Republican Conference, succeeding former Rep. Liz Cheney.
Initially entering Congress as a moderate Republican, Stefanik became a prominent ally of Trump. She vocally opposed his first impeachment in 2019 and contested the results of the 2020 election. Recently, she has been active in addressing antisemitism on college campuses, scrutinizing university leaders over their responses to protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Recognized for her strong support of Israel, Stefanik has accused the United Nations of harboring antisemitic sentiments and has advocated for defunding the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees due to concerns over Hamas’ influence.
Expressing her gratitude, Stefanik told the New York Post that she is “truly honored” to receive Trump’s nomination and looks forward to gaining support from her Senate colleagues.
While control of the House is still uncertain as key races are being finalized, Republicans are nearing a majority. Should she be confirmed as ambassador, Stefanik will have to vacate her House seat, triggering a special election date that New York Governor Kathy Hochul must establish. Following her recent victory, in which she defeated her Democratic opponent by a significant margin, the New York Republican Party expressed confidence in retaining her seat.
Elise Stefanik’s nomination reflects her deepening role within the Republican Party and signals a continued commitment to Trump’s policies on both domestic and international fronts. As the political landscape shifts, her appointment could be seen as a move to strengthen U.S. representation at the UN, particularly regarding issues that align with Israel and Republican values.
This development serves as an opportunity for Stefanik to further influence international discourse and potentially bolster bipartisan discussions on global issues. The coming months will be critical as she prepares for her new role and the special election process unfolds in New York.