In a dramatic reversal, the White House has officially withdrawn Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, citing the need to preserve the GOP’s fragile majority in the House of Representatives.
President Donald Trump confirmed the move Thursday in a post on Truth Social, saying it was “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 wrote. “I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress.”
The decision marks a significant shift for the administration. Stefanik, a high-profile New York Republican and House GOP Conference Chair, was nominated for the U.N. post shortly after Trump’s reelection in November. She was widely seen as one of the least controversial picks for a top diplomatic role and successfully advanced through committee in January.
However, her nomination had been stalled for months, not because of opposition to her qualifications, but due to concerns about the GOP’s razor-thin majority in the House. Confirming Stefanik would have triggered a special election in her upstate New York district, a potential risk for Republicans already governing with a narrow margin.
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House leadership and conservative groups reportedly lobbied behind the scenes to keep Stefanik in Congress, where she has played a key role in messaging and party unity.
With the nomination now officially withdrawn, Stefanik is expected to remain in her House leadership position and continue supporting Trump’s legislative agenda from Capitol Hill.
The administration has not yet announced a new nominee for the U.N. ambassadorship.
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