White House Withdraws Stefanik’s Nomination to Be Ambassador to UN

This comes as the GOP has a narrow majority in the House as it looks to pass Trump’s legislative agenda.

U.S. Ambassador Designate to the United Nations Elise Stefanik during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Feb. 26, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Trump announced the move on Truth Social on March 27, citing the narrow majority that the GOP has in the House of Representatives.

“As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress,” he wrote. “We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning.

“I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

“With a very tight Majority, I don’t want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise’s seat.”

Trump said Stefanik will join his administration “in the future.”

The GOP has a narrow majority in the House as it looks to pass Trump’s legislative agenda.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Stefanik’s office for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

Stefanik served as the House GOP conference chairwoman. She stepped down from the role when Trump nominated her to be ambassador to the United Nations (U.N.) and was succeeded by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.). Trump said Stefanik will rejoin House GOP leadership. It is unclear what role she will have.

The Epoch Times has reached out to McClain for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also said Stefanik will be invited to rejoin House GOP leadership.

“It is well known Republicans have a razor-thin House majority, and Elise’s agreement to withdraw her nomination 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,” he wrote in a post on social media platform X.

“There is no doubt she would have served with distinction as our ambassador to the United Nations, but we are grateful for her willingness to sacrifice that position and remain in Congress to help us save the country. I will invite her to return to the leadership table immediately.”

During her nomination hearing, Stefanik denounced what she called the “anti-Semitic rot” at the U.N., referring to its stance toward Israel.

“The U.S. is the largest contributor to the U.N. by far,” she said. “Our tax dollars should not be complicit in propping up entities that are counter to American interests, anti-Semitic, or engaging in fraud, corruption, or terrorism.”

The committee advanced her nomination to the Senate floor by voice vote on Jan. 30.

Stefanik has been one of Trump’s staunchest allies in Congress. She was the first member of Congress to endorse his 2024 campaign.

She was first elected to represent New York’s 21st Congressional District in 2014. At that time, at age 30, she was the youngest woman elected to Congress in U.S. history.