President Trump pulled back Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination for the role of US ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday, explaining that her departure from Congress would present an unacceptable risk to passing his key legislative priorities.
“As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning.”
The president further explained, “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. With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat.”
The current narrow House majority of 218-213 means that losing even a couple of votes could hinder the progress of vital legislation on border control, energy, and taxes, all of which are expected to be sent to President Trump’s desk before Memorial Day. Stefanik’s anticipated resignation to take the UN role would have made this more difficult.
Before the official withdrawal of the nomination, a source familiar with the White House told The Post that “there’s been recent talks between [the] White House and Speaker [Mike Johnson]’s office about if it’s in best interest of House Majority and president’s agenda to pull the nomination.”
The source continued, “It’s all about the math.”
Another insider confirmed that the White House was deliberating the possibility of withdrawing Stefanik’s nomination ahead of the Thursday announcement.
However, a third individual argued that it would be “absurd” for Stefanik to step away from the confirmation process.
“Elise was in leadership. She stepped aside for the nomination. If she were to stay in the House she’d go back to being in the rank-and-file, something she hasn’t done in years,” the source remarked.
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) replaced Stefanik as House Republican conference chair in January.
Stefanik, who was one of the first Trump appointees to undergo Senate vetting, received approval from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by a voice vote on January 30, and was slated for a full Senate vote on April 2.
Trump weighed in on the situation on Thursday: “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. Therefore, Elise will stay in Congress, rejoin the House Leadership Team, and continue to fight for our amazing American People. Speaker Johnson is thrilled! I look forward to the day when Elise is able to join my Administration in the future. She is absolutely FANTASTIC. Thank you Elise!”
New York Democrats had been considering changes to the rules for a special election in upstate New York to fill Stefanik’s seat in the 21st Congressional District, sources told The Post, although Governor Kathy Hochul intervened to halt those plans.
If the special election had gone forward, the traditionally Republican district could have been left without representation until Election Day on November 4. However, sources indicated that the bill to alter the election rules was now “definitely on hold” as Hochul focused on her conflict with Trump over congestion pricing.
At 40, Stefanik had been on track for confirmation, earning enthusiastic endorsements from both Republicans and Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
She earned national recognition last Congress for her rigorous questioning of Ivy League presidents regarding the rise of antisemitic rhetoric and intimidation following the October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel.
Following her nomination, Stefanik blasted the United Nations, calling it a “den of antisemitism” and accusing its diplomats of being “apologists for Iran and their terrorist proxies,” including Hamas.
Unlike other Republicans nominated for positions in the Trump administration, such as former Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, who now serves as national security adviser, Stefanik had not resigned her House seat at the time of her nomination.
Special elections will take place next week to fill the vacancies left by Waltz and former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), with Republicans expected to win both contests. These victories would increase the GOP majority to 220-213, assuming Stefanik remains in the House.
Speaker Johnson (R-La.) and his slim majority had faced challenges in passing certain bills during the previous Congress, with a recent budget resolution barely passing due to opposition from GOP rebels like Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.).
Spartz eventually relented, allowing the resolution to advance, which would raise the national deficit by $4.5 trillion over the next decade to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, increase border security, and fund energy initiatives.
If the budget resolution passes in both chambers, it will likely use the reconciliation process, enabling approval with a simple majority, as long as it only affects taxes, spending, or the debt ceiling.
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