Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination to serve as US ambassador to the United Nations was withdrawn by President Donald Trump on Thursday just hours after it was reported that it was facing growing uncertainty, as sources say GOP leaders were pressing her to reconsider the role.
"We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning. I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
"I don't want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise's seat," the president continued, and stressed that he hoped she would "able join my Administration in the future," as she was "FANTASTIC."
Stefanik is one of the staunchest defenders of Israel and has repeatedly come out against those who malign it on the world stage. She is also credited for having put a spotlight on universities' lenient approach to pro-Palestinian incitement. A congressional hearing in which she grilled university presidents on whether "From the River to the Sea" violated their policies resulted in heavy criticism of those institutions for not coming out against it, and ultimately, some of the presidents had to resign.
Stefanik, a staunch ally of President Trump, had yet to resign her congressional seat, a move that could have strained the GOP's fragile 218-to-213 majority over Democrats, with four seats currently vacant. House Speaker Mike Johnson knew of these talks as they unfolded, sources said. The party's narrow edge has fueled concerns about losing even one vote, putting Stefanik's next steps under scrutiny.
Her confirmation in the Senate seemed all but assured after the Foreign Relations Committee advanced her nomination on Jan. 30. Still, some Republicans wanted to delay action until after Florida's special elections on April 1, which will fill two vacant GOP seats expected to stay red.
