Washington D.C. – In a surprise move, President Donald Trump has withdrawn his nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The decision comes amid growing concerns among Republicans about maintaining their narrow majority in the House of Representatives.
According to Trump, he asked Stefanik to remain in Congress to help advance his legislative agenda. “With a very tight majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat,” Trump explained. “The people love Elise, and with her, we have nothing to worry about come Election Day.”
Stefanik, a five-term congresswoman and close Trump ally, was initially nominated to be the top U.S. diplomat at the UN. However, her nomination has been put on hold due to concerns about the potential impact on the House majority.
The Republicans currently control the House with a slim majority of 218-213, leaving only a two-vote margin to win any majority vote. There are also four vacancies in the chamber, with special elections scheduled in Florida next Tuesday to replace former GOP Reps. Michael Waltz and Matt Gaetz.
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Waltz is now serving as Trump’s national security adviser, while Gaetz is a television host after withdrawing his nomination to be attorney general amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Stefanik will now rejoin the House Leadership Team and continue to fight for Trump’s legislative agenda. Her decision to remain in Congress is seen as a strategic move to maintain the Republican majority in the House.
This development highlights the ongoing struggles within the Republican Party to maintain control of the House. As the special elections in Florida approach, the stakes are high for both parties, and the outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in Washington.
Elise Marie Stefanik is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for New York’s 21st congressional district. As chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2025, she was the fourth-ranking House Republican.
