Fetterman Backs Stefanik as Trump’s Pick for UN Ambassador

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) walks toward the Senate Chambers in Washington on March 23, 2024. Nathan Howard/Getty Images

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has voiced support for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (UN), with his endorsement highlighting bipartisan backing for Stefanik’s confirmation in the Senate.

Fetterman took to X on Dec. 11 to say he “always was a hard YES” on Stefanik’s nomination, highlighting his expectations for her to address what he called “endemic antisemitism and blatant anti-Israel views” at the UN.

As a high-ranking congressional Republican, Stefanik has been a leading pro-Israel lawmaker known for her efforts to counter the increase of anti-Semitism on U.S. campuses following the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre of Israelis by Hamas terrorists. Stefanik has advocated for defunding the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), an organization in which some employees are alleged to have participated in the attacks.

“I support defunding UNRWA for its documented Hamas infiltration and fully look forward to her holding the @UN accountable for its endemic antisemitism and blatant anti-Israel views,” Fetterman wrote.

For her part, Stefanik thanked the Pennsylvania senator for his endorsement and for what she said was a productive meeting.

“Thank you to @SenFettermanPA for hosting a very productive meeting where we discussed our shared commitment to standing with Israel and combating antisemitism,” she said in a post on X. “Senator Fetterman shared his ideas for strong national security leadership and I highlighted my ideas on implementing President @realDonaldTrump’s America First peace through strength national security agenda.”

Fetterman’s endorsement is part of a growing coalition of senators expressing confidence in Stefanik’s abilities to lead at the UN. Several Republican lawmakers have echoed similar sentiments, noting her qualifications and alignment with Trump’s policies.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) described her as “a terrific Ambassador to the UN” and praised her leadership.

“Her work in the U.S. House of Representatives also shows that she understands the importance of delivering peace through strength,“ he said in a statement. ”I have absolute confidence in her ability to carry out the United States’ priorities.”

Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, commended Stefanik’s selection and underscored the challenges she will face at the UN.

“The UN system is in particularly bad shape and must change,” Risch said in a statement. “This should include a rejection of decisions that benefit enemies of the free world like the Iranian and Russian regimes, an end to antisemitism that I fear is endemic across the UN, and ensuring Taiwan has the right to participate and contribute throughout the UN system.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also voiced his support, calling Stefanik “well qualified” and aligned with the need for reform at the UN.

“American taxpayer dollars going to the U.N. cannot be used to undermine our country and our allies,” he said in a statement. “Business as usual regarding the U.S. and UN is about to change. Elise will be a strong supporter of President Trump’s agenda to bring about change.”

Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) added his endorsement, highlighting the need for moral clarity at the U.N.

“The world’s largest international organization is in dire need of a wake-up call, and Representative Stefanik is uniquely well-suited to deliver it,” McConnell said in a statement. “I look forward to the Senate’s timely consideration of Representative Stefanik’s nomination.”

Stefanik’s selection comes with a track record of staunch advocacy for conservative principles. First elected to Congress in 2014, Stefanik has served as the House Republican Conference chair since 2021. Her leadership has focused on unifying Republicans around conservative priorities, including national security, defense spending, and oversight of federal agencies. She has also consistently opposed Democratic-led initiatives such as expanded government spending, while supporting tax cuts, deregulation, and pro-business policies aimed at bolstering economic growth.

Trump, in his statement announcing Stefanik’s nomination days after the November election, described her as “a strong and very smart America First fighter.”

Stefanik’s confirmation will require a majority vote in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim margin, with bipartisan support from senators like Fetterman boosting her prospects.

If confirmed, Stefanik will succeed Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who served as UN ambassador under President Joe Biden.