White House Withdraws Elise Stefanik As UN Ambassador

On Thursday, President Donald Trump withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, asserting that losing the New York Republican from the House would significantly hinder the progress of his major legislative priorities.

“As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress. We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“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,” he added.

With Republicans holding a slim House majority of 218-213, they can afford to lose only two votes on party-line measures. Stefanik stepping down to take the UN position would have put critical tax, border, and energy legislation in jeopardy, as they are expected to be finalized by Memorial Day, according to the New York Post.

Insiders familiar with the decision described Stefanik’s withdrawal as both “absurd” and “a surprise,” the outlet reported.

“It’s a surprise. It’s a bombshell. Trump made a decision — and that’s it,” stated a New York Republican official who requested anonymity.

Stefanik had been on track for Senate confirmation on April 2, with a scheduled press conference at UN headquarters in Turtle Bay the following day.

Before the White House officially made the announcement, a source close to the administration disclosed that “there’s been recent talks between [the] White House and Speaker [Mike Johnson]’s office about if it’s in [the] best interest of [the] House Majority and president’s agenda to pull the nomination.” This source explained to The Post that the reasoning behind the move came down to “all about the math.”

“With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat,” Trump said in his statement. “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.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) declared in a press statement that he would “invite” Stefanik to immediately resume a leadership role, even though Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) currently holds her previous position as conference chair.

“Elise Stefanik is truly a great leader and a devoted patriot. Today’s selfless decision shows America what those of us who work with her already know. She is deeply devoted to her country and fully committed to see President Trump’s agenda succeed in Congress,” Johnson emphasized. “There is no doubt she would have served with distinction as our ambassador to the United Nations, but we are grateful for her willingness to sacrifice that position and remain in Congress to help us save the country.”

Stefanik, 40, was one of Trump’s earliest nominees to be vetted and was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee through a voice vote on January 30.

Meanwhile, New York Democrats had been considering changes to special election procedures in Stefanik’s upstate district in anticipation of her departure—until Governor Kathy Hochul stepped in, sources previously informed The Post.

Had the rule changes moved forward, the solidly Republican district could have remained without representation until the November 4 general election. However, insiders revealed that the legislation was “definitely on hold” as Hochul remained locked in a political standoff with Trump over congestion pricing.

Stefanik was widely regarded as having a clear path to confirmation, having garnered strong backing from both Republicans and Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman.

Last Congress, she made national headlines for her tough questioning of Ivy League presidents regarding the surge of antisemitic rhetoric, threats, and intimidation on campuses following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that left 1,200 dead, The Post additionally noted.