Donald Trump Cancels UN Ambassador Nomination for Elise Stefanik

Trump Withdraws Stefanik’s U.N. Nomination Amid House Majority Concerns

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has withdrawn Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, citing the need to maintain Republican control of the narrowly divided House of Representatives. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia

Trump Explains Decision on Truth Social

Trump made the announcement via a post on Truth Social, stating: "With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat. The people love Elise and, with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day." He added, "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." JASON BEAN/RGJ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

GOP House Majority Under Pressure with Upcoming Special Elections

The decision comes as Republicans cling to a slim 218-213 majority in the House, with four current vacancies. Two of those seats, vacated by former GOP Reps. Michael Waltz and Matt Gaetz, are up for special elections next Tuesday in Florida. Trump has expressed concern over losing Stefanik’s seat in upstate New York, which she won by 24 points in 2024. United States House of Representatives / Wikimedia

Democrats Energized by Special Election Wins

Meanwhile, Democrats are showing renewed energy, buoyed by recent special election victories, including one in Pennsylvania where Democrat Dan Goughnour won a state Senate seat in a district Trump had previously carried by 15 points. @DLCC / X

Jeffries: GOP Retreat Shows Unpopular Agenda

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the move, saying it reflected a party in retreat: "The Republican agenda is extremely unpopular, and they are running scared." Maryland GovPics / Wikimedia

Senate Delay and Legislative Needs Influenced Stefanik Decision

Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally and former House Republican Conference Chair, had been awaiting Senate confirmation for the U.N. role since her nomination in November. Speaker Mike Johnson had reportedly delayed that vote, needing Stefanik’s support to pass key legislation, including government funding bills. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Speaker Johnson Welcomes Stefanik’s Return to Leadership

Johnson welcomed the decision, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that he would invite Stefanik back into GOP leadership “immediately.” He praised her as “a great leader and a devoted patriot,” adding that her “selfless decision shows America what those of us who work with her already know.” Johnson emphasized her importance to the Republican agenda, noting that with the House’s razor-thin GOP majority, her decision to withdraw “will allow us to keep one of the toughest, most resolute members of our Conference in place to help drive forward President Trump’s America First policies.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Stefanik’s Future Role Shifts After VP Shortlist and Farewell Tour

Stefanik, 40, had been on Trump’s shortlist for vice president and was on a farewell tour of her district just weeks ago. Her nomination had increasingly come under internal scrutiny, with CBS News first reporting it was at risk and Reuters confirming White House discussions about a possible withdrawal. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Trump Criticizes U.N. and Reduces U.S. Global Engagement

Trump’s evolving stance on the U.N. has included renewed criticism, saying in February the institution must “get their act together.” Since returning to office in January, Trump has taken several steps to scale back U.S. involvement in international bodies, including halting engagement with the U.N. Human Rights Council, freezing funds to UNRWA, and initiating a withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and WHO. The White House / Wikimedia