Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
In a significant early staffing decision, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen New York Rep. Elise Stefanik to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
Known for her vocal support of Trump’s policies and her fierce advocacy on key conservative issues, Stefanik will bring a staunchly “America First” approach to the U.N., reinforcing a pro-Israel stance and seeking reform within the international body.
The appointment, made public on Sunday night, marks Trump’s first major personnel announcement as he prepares for his upcoming term.
Trump lauded Stefanik’s credentials, stating, “Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.”
He highlighted her commitment to defending U.S. interests on global platforms, calling her the ideal candidate to represent his administration’s vision on the world stage.
Stefanik, who holds the position of No. 4 Republican in the House of Representatives, has built a reputation as a loyal Trump ally, having served on his ceremonial defense team during his first impeachment trial in 2020.
Stefanik, 40, has been an outspoken critic of what she sees as biases within the U.N., particularly toward Israel.
In her new role, she is expected to advocate for fairer treatment of democratic allies and address rising antisemitism, a topic on which she has consistently voiced concern.
Stefanik gained attention for her sharp questioning of Ivy League administrators over alleged antisemitism on campuses, helping to remove two Ivy League presidents in the process.
Her stance aligns closely with Trump’s foreign policy priorities, which focus on strengthening U.S. alliances with countries that support its goals while holding others accountable.
“During my conversation with President Trump, I shared how deeply humbled I am to accept his nomination and that I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the United States Senate,” Stefanik said in a statement.
She also noted that Trump’s recent victory in swing states gives her hope for renewed strength both domestically and internationally, adding, “America continues to be the beacon of the world, but we expect and must demand that our friends and allies be strong partners in the peace we seek.”
Stefanik steps into her role amid rising conservative criticism of the U.N., particularly regarding its handling of global human rights and conflicts.
Recent controversies include the organization’s response to the Israel-Hamas war, where it faced accusations that members of its affiliates allegedly participated in attacks against Israel.
Additionally, the U.N.’s Human Rights Council has faced backlash over its inclusion of nations with poor human rights records, including China and Cuba, which conservatives argue weakens the council’s credibility.
Trump’s first term included decisions to withdraw from several U.N. bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), over what he called failures in transparency, especially regarding the investigation into the origins of COVID-19.
Stefanik is expected to continue this critical stance, pushing for reforms that she believes will strengthen U.S. influence within the organization.
Stefanik’s departure from the House will narrow the Republicans’ slim majority, potentially impacting the party’s ability to advance its legislative agenda.
Under New York law, Governor Kathy Hochul is required to call a special election within ten days of the seat being vacated, to be held within 70 to 80 days after that.
The Republican nominee will be chosen by county GOP chairs rather than through a primary process.
Despite the brief disruption, Stefanik’s district is widely considered a Republican stronghold, having voted her in with over 63% of the vote in her recent re-election.
The district is considered by many as “ruby red” and “pro-Trump,” adding that the seat is likely to remain under Republican control.
Stefanik’s appointment to the U.N. places her among Trump’s top allies and signals the administration’s continued emphasis on reshaping international organizations to align with conservative values.
The selection highlights Trump’s intent to reinvigorate U.S. influence on the world stage, especially after what Stefanik described as “four years of catastrophically weak U.S. leadership that significantly weakened our national security and diminished our standing in the eyes of both allies and adversaries.”
She added, “I stand ready to advance President Donald J. Trump’s restoration of America First peace through strength leadership on the world stage on Day One at the United Nations.”
The appointment of Stefanik also follows Trump’s recent announcement of campaign chairwoman Susie Wiles as his incoming White House chief of staff, with additional Cabinet selections anticipated in the coming weeks.
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